Father of the Baby
Before you make the decision to place your baby for adoption, there are many steps in the decision-making process to consider. One of the most common concerns for women considering adoption is if the biological father has to be involved in the process.
Adoption is a brave and selfless decision. Having the support of the birth father, your friends, and your family helps confirm you are making the best choice for your baby. But what happens when the biological father of your baby is not supportive of your decision? What if you are unsure who the birth father is?
For more than 30 years, we have helped birth mothers from all walks of life place their baby for adoption. While every situation is unique, we are here to help provide clarity surrounding the biological fathers’ involvement in your adoption process by providing answers to the three most common questions asked.
1. Does the Biological Father Have to Be Involved?
Did You Know?
While the birth father does not have to be involved in your adoption process, every state has its own laws surrounding birth father rights. Fill out this form to learn more about your state’s laws.
The short answer is no, the birth father does not have to be involved in your adoption process.
In an ideal situation, you and the birth father would have a healthy relationship, he would be directly involved in the decision-making process and fully support your choice to place your baby for adoption.
The reality is that this isn’t always the case.
In most adoptions, the relationship between the birth mother and biological father is toxic or non-existent, the birth father wants no involvement with the pregnancy or is generally unsupportive because they lack information on the benefits of adoption.
If you are in a situation where you have a strong relationship with the biological father, but they remain against your adoption plan, the best path is to:
- Read this guide.
- Consider counseling and mediation options.
- Speak with a specialist about the laws and restrictions in your state – adoption is still an option.
If you are considering adoption but have concerns with the involvement or lack thereof from the biological father, fill out this online form to speak with an adoption specialist.
2. What if I Don’t Know Who the Father Is?
Many women choose adoption because they do not want to raise their child in a single-parent home. Adoption allows you to find a loving and caring two-parent home for your baby. Although we recommend taking every possible step to determine who the father is, we understand this is not always a possibility.
You control your decision to place your baby for adoption. If you are unaware of who the father may be, call 1-800-ADOPTION to begin adoption planning.
3. What Are the Birth Father Rights in My State?
While the birth father does not have to be involved in your adoption process, every state has its own laws surrounding birth father rights. To learn more about your specific situation and the birth father rights in your state, fill out this online form, or call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist. They will walk you through what to expect and help you determine the best plan to begin your adoption process.
Disclaimer
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