I just recently found out that I have a 5 year old daughter from a past relationship, however until about 2 weeks ago I had never been told about it, and the baby had been put up for adoption shortly after she was born.

Does anyone know where to even start in a case like this, I would like to at least meet my child but wouldn't even know where to begin searching, or for that matter if at this point meeting her would even be a possibility.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Contact the agency handling the adoption

After finding and contacting the adoption agency, would it even be possible to meet the child though? Wouldnt it be totally at the mercy of the adoptive parents decision? This wasnt something that I was even made aware of and not my choice for her to go up for adoption, but I understand laws dont bend for circumstances such as these.

That is correct.

The adoptive parents will have veto power, especially in a child so young.

I just recently found out that I have a 5 year old daughter from a past relationship, however until about 2 weeks ago I had never been told about it, and the baby had been put up for adoption shortly after she was born.

Does anyone know where to even start in a case like this, I would like to at least meet my child but wouldn't even know where to begin searching, or for that matter if at this point meeting her would even be a possibility.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Some adoptions have been overturned when fraud can be proven, like the mother knew who the father was and his location but lied so that the father wouldn't know. If that might be your situation you can get a consult with an attorney.

HOWEVER- PLEASE think long and hard about what your child needs, NOT what YOU want or need. If your child has been with adoptive parents for a long time, having you come into the picture now can cause alot of emotional harm to everyone, mostly your child.

At this point, the only parents your child has known are the adoptive ones. It will be a hard and emotional time for the child if you do come back into her life now. It sucks that you didn't know about her 5 years ago. Maybe you could "meet" her if the adoptive parents agree and not reveal who you are. Observe her from afar to see that she is happy and healthy. Not the best solution for you, but might be the best one for your child. Good Luck to you - its a sad situation.

wow good info to know, thanks for the replies everyone!

As for whats best for the child, I agree completely. Even though it wouldnt necessarily be what I want, I'm interested in whats going to be best for her and make her the happiest, even if it means she grows up with her adoptive family.