Every state has certain laws that address the issues related to biological fathers in adoption. In addition, there are certain cases that have been decided by the U.S. Supreme Court that require alleged biological fathers to have some rights in certain circumstances.
Staff at Beacon House can answer your questions about your specific situation and work with you on whether or not the biological father will be involved in the process. It is important that a birth mother be completely honest about her situation so that the attorneys and agency staff will implement the best process.
Unknown Fathers
Generally speaking, biological fathers may be known or unknown and involved or uninvolved. It is not uncommon to have an unknown biological father for a variety of reasons. In most states, there is a registry that alleged fathers can sign up with to let it be known they want to be recognized. In the case of an unknown father, the attorney will obtain a statement from the registry showing that no one has signed up and obtain some other documentation, after which the unknown father’s rights can be terminated.
Identified Fathers Whereabouts Unknown
An alleged father may be identified but have unknown whereabouts. In this case, the Court will generally appoint an attorney to represent him as an absent person, and the attorney will attempt to locate him. The attorney then reports to the Court the success or failure of the attempt and the process moves on from there.
Identified Fathers Whereabouts Known
Uninvolved Father:
An alleged father who is identified and whose whereabouts are known must be given notice of the impending adoption proceeding. If a birth mother does not wish to contact him directly, Beacon House can contact him to determine if he would be in agreement or not with the adoption plan. Often a middle person can make more progress with this than the birth mother who is emotionally involved in the decision.
Involved Fathers:
Identified fathers may also want to be involved in the process, this often happens when a birth mother and birth father are in an ongoing relationship. This is optimum for the birth mother, as he can provide a source of emotional support to her during her pregnancy.
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Call 1-888-987-6300 to speak with an Adoption Coordinator or complete our Confidential Inquiry Form. We know that this is a stressful time in your life as you make important decision about your future. Our Adoption Coordinator will explain the adoption process and is available to help you any way they can. Your confidential phone call or email will allow us to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision possible for your baby.
