Mistaken Adoption Claims: Michael Oher's Legal Battle with the Touhey Family

Michael Oher’s claims about being fooled about his adoptive status by the Touhey family have been widely discussed, with both sides offering conflicting stories. At 18, he was no longer a child, and his potential to understand the complexities of the situation should not be underestimated. However, the question remains: Why didn’t he seek clarification then?

The story of Michael Oher is, indeed, complex. While the Touhey family claims that Oher knew about his guardianship/conservatorship from the start and received his fair share of money, Oher argues that he only recently learned of it. (According to reports, Oher is currently worth approximately $16 million, and his NFL career has come to an end.) Given his substantial financial success, it seems particularly surprising that he would now seek to challenge a situation that has been ongoing for almost two decades. Why wait so long to bring this to light?

Michael Oher, at 18, should have had the capacity to understand the legal implications of a conservatorship. However, it has been suggested that he was more focused on his future and the opportunities that could follow his college football career and subsequent NFL stint. In his career, he made a remarkable $34 million. With such financial success, it is logical to question why he waited to challenge the conservatorship, especially since he could have potentially accessed the funds for his own benefit during his educational and professional career.

Another point of contention is the assertion that at his age, adoption might not have been beneficial. Being taken out of a poor neighborhood, entering a better school, and being provided for by the Touhey family could have been advantageous. However, the real issue is whether Oher was misled or used. Was he tricked into signing a conservatorship that granted the Touhey family and their children financial rights for his entire life, thereby effectively stripping him of control over his own destiny?

The portrayal of adoptees in society often paints them as needy and in need of being saved, while adopters are portrayed as saviors. This narrative can create a sense of indebtedness or gratitude on the part of the adoptees. However, in reality, adoptees may be used to fulfill the adopters' desires or needs. The Touhey family's case exemplifies how adoptees can be used to solve infertility or other personal issues. In their case, they utilized Oher both financially and for fame, splitting his money and leaving him with a small share.

Related Controversies and Legal Perspectives

The battle between Michael Oher and the Touhey family is not unique. Many adoptive families and adoptees find themselves in similar circumstances, challenging the ethical and legal boundaries of adoption. From child abuse allegations to financial exploitation, adoption cases often highlight the need for clearer regulations and better support systems for all parties involved.

Legal perspectives on the case vary. While some argue that Oher should have been more vigilant, others defend his right to seek clarification after years of silence. The key issue is whether the Touhey family acted ethically and legally in managing Oher’s affairs and whether they provided him with the support he needed to live independently.

Conclusion

Michael Oher’s claims about being fooled about his adoptive status by the Touhey family raise important questions about the responsibilities and rights of all parties in an adoption. As his story continues to unfold, it is crucial to approach the issue with an open mind and a willingness to understand the complexities involved. Whether Oher was misled or took too long to challenge the situation, the case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the adoption process.

The discussions surrounding this case not only involve legal and financial considerations but also ethical and social issues. The narrative surrounding adoption and the roles of adopters and adoptees in society continue to evolve, and this case serves as a critical point of discussion for these evolving dynamics.

Keywords: Michael Oher, adoption controversy, Touhey family