Ep 79. I Believe My Granddaughter Was Illegally Adopted. We Want Her Back!

In the 79th episode of season 13 of the Dr. Phil Show, a grandmother named Karla makes an emotional plea to Dr. Phil to help her regain custody of her granddaughter, whom she believes was illegally adopted. Karla's daughter, Ashley, gave birth to her daughter, Ava, when she was 19 and struggling with addiction. Karla claims that Ashley's former boyfriend's parents illegally adopted Ava without her knowledge.

Karla says that over the years, she has tried everything she can think of to regain custody of Ava, including reaching out to the adoptive parents, filing police reports, and even hiring a private investigator. She has also reached out to the Department of Children and Family Services, but says she was told that because Ava's adoption was private, they can't help her.

Dr. Phil listens carefully as Karla tells her story, nodding sympathetically and offering words of encouragement. He then brings out Ashley, who tearfully confesses that she gave up Ava because she was in no position to care for her. She says that she tried to get her daughter back, but was unable to because of the legal and financial barriers.

Dr. Phil then brings out the adoptive parents, who tell a different story. They claim that they met Ashley through a mutual friend, and that she willingly gave them permission to adopt Ava. They also say that they've had a great relationship with Karla over the years, and that they've always encouraged Ava to stay in touch with her biological family.

As Dr. Phil attempts to untangle the messy web of accusations and counter-accusations, he brings out a family attorney who explains the legal process for adoption in the United States. He explains that there are strict guidelines that must be followed, and that if Karla's claims are true, then the adoptive parents could be in serious legal trouble.

As the show wraps up, Dr. Phil promises to continue to work with Karla and her family to help them find a solution. He emphasizes the importance of putting the needs of the child first, and encourages all parties involved to work together towards a peaceful resolution.

Overall, this episode of the Dr. Phil Show is a powerful reminder of the complicated legal and emotional issues that can arise in cases of adoption. It also underscores the importance of seeking legal advice and support, and the value of having a mediator like Dr. Phil to help navigate these difficult situations.