Choosing adoption is one of the bravest and most selfless things you can do. But sometimes, if a birth father is involved, they may not agree with your decision. American Adoptions works with multiple attorneys across the country who can help you navigate the intricacies of birth-father rights.

Adoption birth father rights are extremely complex and are handled on a case-by-case basis. This means the process can vary depending on your individual state laws. Although this article shouldn’t be considered legal advice, we’re here to explain the ins and outs of what to do when birth fathers contest adoption and how to talk to them about your decision.

If you have any questions about adoption birth father rights in your state, then contact us online now to speak with a trusted specialist.

Does the Birth Father Have to Agree to Adoption?

In most cases, the birth father doesn’t have to agree with your decision to pursue adoption. Most birth fathers tend to be unsupportive because they lack information about the benefits of adoption.

If you’re in a situation where you have a strong relationship with the birth father, but they are against your adoption plan, the best decision is to consider partnering with a counselor or mediator. We’re always here to help you have this discussion with the birth father. We’ll provide the support and resources you need to navigate the adoption birth father rights in your state.

Can a Birth Father Stop an Adoption?

If the father is known and unsupportive of your adoption decision, he must show his desire to assume the father figure role. In order to retain his adoption birth father rights, he has to prove how he plans to support the child. In most states, a birth father must provide financial support during your pregnancy. If he fails to do so, the birth father can’t stop the adoption from taking place.

When discussing your pregnancy, make sure to respond truthfully and not refuse support, as these are important legal indicators. Your attorney and our specialists can help mediate any communication to help you feel more comfortable. The attorney will investigate the situation and can help determine whether the adoption can move forward without the fathers consent.

How to Talk to a Birth Father Contesting Adoption

When a birth father’s contesting adoption, it can be difficult trying to have a discussion with them. If you’re unsure of how to begin the conversation, here are some ways you can talk to the birth father about your decision:

  • Have a conversation in person or over the phone: Speaking to the birth father directly is one of the best ways to tell him about your adoption plan. This way, you can delicately inform him about the adoption and answer any questions he may have about your adoption plan and the process. This is a good opportunity to bring up the benefits of adoption and how he can be involved in your plan or create an adoption plan of his own.
  • Write an email, letter or text: Sometimes this form of communication is easier or necessary, but you want to make sure you spend some time thinking about how you want to tell him. Make sure you’re as honest and descriptive as possible, and explain why you want to choose adoption. You can explain why you think adoption is best for your baby, what the next steps of the process are and the kind of relationship you hope to have with the adoptive family.
  • Have your adoption specialist or attorney talk to them: If you’re not comfortable speaking with the birth father directly, your adoption specialist or attorney may be able to speak with them, depending on your state’s laws. They’ll inform the birth father about your adoption plan and their birth fathers’ rights in adoption moving forward.

Find Adoption Attorney’s in Your Area

When you work with American Adoptions, you will always have access to an attorney. If you have any questions about adoption birth father rights, they’ll help you navigate this process and respect your rights.

We work with adoption attorneys across the country and can connect you with one, no matter what. These attorneys are there to help you understand your legal rights whether or not you end up choosing adoption.

If you would like to speak with an adoption attorney, then contact us online now, and a specialist will be happy to get you the help you need.