He Thought a Simple Adoption Suggestion Was Grounded in Love, But the Aftermath Would Tear His Family Apart.

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Amid navigating complex family matters, the Original Poster (OP) makes a heartfelt yet contentious decision to discuss his current wife’s legal adoption of his children. Though rooted in love and gratitude, this gesture unexpectedly ignites a fierce backlash from his ex, pushing already delicate relationships to the brink.

The Best of Times

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OP’s marriage with his ex-wife resulted in two wonderful children, aged eight and six. They separated when the youngest was born. For two years after the separation, both parents shared custody equally in Indiana.

A New Opportunity

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OP received an excellent job offer in North Carolina, near the coast. This new location provided better educational and housing opportunities and more recreation opportunities at the beach or in the mountains.

The Ex-Wife’s Sacrifice

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OP’s ex-wife didn’t want to relocate because of cost of living considerations and her need to be close to her mom, who lived in an Alzheimer’s facility. They agreed on a custody plan, which favored OP during the school year.

Seasons of Change

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The custody arrangement has been in place for four years. While OP and his current wife handle the day-to-day challenges of parenting, the ex-wife gets the holidays and summertime. During these breaks, she takes the children on trips and treats them.

Imbalance in the Picture

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OP realizes he has a deeper bond with the children than their mother. He acknowledges the hard work he and his wife put into parenting throughout the school year, while his ex-wife enjoys the more relaxed moments.

The Silent Contributor

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OP’s current wife has played a pivotal role in raising the children, even more than their biological mother. Yet, legally, she has no claim over them. This causes OP distress, fearing she might never see the children again if something happened to him.

Seeking Permanence

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Driven by concern and love, OP wishes for his wife to adopt his children legally. The children adore her and already call her “Mom.” They share a close bond developed over time and effort that goes beyond DNA.

OP’s Perspective

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OP thinks that his current wife fills the role of Mom better than his ex and reasons that, as a result, she should also be allowed legal rights to make parenting decisions for the children. If she were to adopt them legally, that would enable her to fill out paperwork and make medical decisions on their behalf.

Breaching a Sensitive Topic

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On a phone call, OP carefully proposes the idea of adoption to his ex-wife, emphasizing his wife’s continuous role in their lives. He reassures her that they would still arrange custody during summer and holidays.

Unexpected Backlash

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OP’s ex-wife reacts fiercely, accusing OP of trying to alienate the children from her. Her unexpected anger reveals a side of her OP hadn’t seen before. The ex-wife now threatens to move to OP’s state and plans to use his adoption request against him, alleging parental alienation.

The Home Front

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When OP shares the situation with his wife, hoping for understanding, he faces more anger. She believes he crossed a line by even suggesting the adoption idea to his ex-wife. Of course, it wouldn’t go well, she reasons.

Rethinking Decisions

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OP grapples with the consequences of his actions. He intended to offer his wife a gesture of love and respect, but it’s backfired. Now, he faces challenges both from his ex and within his own home.

Unintended Outcomes

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The situation escalates far beyond OP’s expectations. What he believed was a simple question has spiraled into a potential legal battle and tension in his own marriage. He wonders if he was wrong for simply posing the question to his ex-wife, even though his intentions were rooted in love.

A Delicate Balance

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OP recognizes the balance that must be maintained when navigating blended family dynamics. Even with the best intentions, emotions can run high, and decisions can have unintended consequences.

Seeking Validation

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OP questions his actions, wondering if he was out of line. While he would have respected his ex’s simple refusal, the chaos has taken him by surprise. Navigating these relationships becomes more complex, with trust and understanding being tested.

Was The Man’s Behavior Appropriate?

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Looking for clarity and validation, OP posts his story online for feedback from the internet community. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “Your wife does more of the parenting because YOU MOVED AWAY from your ex, and she made the sacrifice so your children could have better opportunities. How dare you turn that around and say she shouldn’t legally be their mother because she isn’t physically present.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “YOU moved far away. Your ex still has a close relationship with the kids. She didn’t abandon them. It seems like she’s a good parent when she has the children. How did you think she would react???”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “Your ex-wife has sacrificed her relationship to give the kids better opportunities, and you think that means she isn’t their parent? That’s what parents do. They sacrifice. Your current wife may have to make the same sacrifice someday.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

Another reader commented, “Your wife gets no credit? From who? The government? Your kids are happy with her. She’s happy with them. It already has to be hard on your ex as it is without implying she’s an absent mom because YOU moved.”