There are many adoption articles that focus on the birth mother and her role in the adoption process. However, it is important to know that the birth father also has a role, whether or not he is an active part of the adoption journey. Giving a baby up for adoption without the father’s consent requires special legal processes that vary depending on the state where the adoption is taking place. During the adoption process, the biological father of the baby may be referred to as the birth, alleged, presumed, reputed, or putative father. States' Definitions of "Father" The time of conception or birth of their child or whose paternity has been otherwise determined by a court. There is no one definition of ‘father’ in the US but there are several…
Birth Father Rights
There is a misconception that often a birth father is left out of the adoption process. A birth father has a Constitutional right to be notified that he might be the father of a child who is being put up for adoption. A birth father is the biological father of a child who has been or will be adopted; understanding your rights and how they apply to the adoption process is just as important for you, as it is for the birth mother of the child. One of the biggest parental rights is the right to consent or the right to object to the adoption of one’s child. Generally, both parents of a child must consent to an adoption only if both parents meet certain requirements that give them the…
What is a Birth Father?
A Birth Father is the biological father of a child who has been or will be adopted; understanding your rights and how they apply to the adoption process is just as important for you, as it is for the birth mother of the child. Birth Fathers: Are the biological fathers of their child or children. Do not have custody of their children. Do not pay child support. May be married to the mother of the child, married to another, divorced, or unmarried. May or may not have surrendered their parental rights. May or may not live in the same area as their child’s adoptive family. If you are finding out ‘after the fact’ that your child has been placed with an adoptive family, unfortunately, this is not uncommon. Many birth…