Birth Father FAQ With an Adoption Agency in Kansas

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you already know it takes two to make a baby. The birth father is often an overlooked and forgotten part of the equation. If the father is unknown, not around, or unsupportive, you probably have many questions about his role in the adoption process. In addition, it can feel overwhelming and confusing to figure out the birth father’s laws and rules and parental rights if you’ve never been through the adoption process.

Adoption Choices of Kansas is here to help you navigate the entire adoption process, including the biological father’s role. We’ll help you determine your options and proceed with the adoption if the father is protesting. Worries that the biological father will not accept the adoption should not be a deterrent. When you work with an adoption agency, you can rest assured you still have options. 

Whether you’re a new birth mother trying to figure out your options or the strip just turned pink, you most likely have questions. We work with hundreds of women every year, and these are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about birth fathers. To learn more about the adoption process and the legal rights of birth fathers in Kansas, please contact your adoption caseworker or legal adviser.”

• Do Birth Fathers Have Parental Rights? 

If he is the proven biological father of the baby, he does have parental rights, just as you do. Once paternity is established, he can attempt to block the adoption from going forward. However, if the proper paperwork isn’t completed correctly and timely, the courts will usually rule in favor of the birth mother, child, and adoptive parents. The laws differ if you are married to the biological father and vary by state. Check with a lawyer or adoption counselor about your specific situation since it is usually on a case-by-case basis. 

• What Role Does the Birth Father Play in Adoption? 

If the birth father is still in your life and supportive of the adoption, we encourage them to be part of the process. Having someone supportive to lean on, help with decisions, and be there during labor is excellent. On the other hand, if the father is not supportive, he does not have to participate in the adoption process. Once you have the okay to proceed without his consent, he’s not needed to make any decisions. 

• Do I Have to Tell the Birth Father About the Adoption?

In many cases, the birth father doesn’t find out about the adoption until after the child is placed. It makes it a lot easier on everyone if he is notified before the adoption is finalized. Clearing up any issues with the birth father early on in the process prevents road bumps later on. You don’t have to tell him about the adoption, but we highly recommend it. If you don’t feel safe contacting the father, your adoption agency can act as a third-party mediator. 

• Can The Birth Father Stop The Adoption?

The courts will rarely rule in favor of the unmarried birth father. If you are concerned that the father might try to stop the adoption, talk with your adoption counselor. In most cases, he can’t prevent the adoption in Kansas from happening. This is another good reason to pull the bandaid off and make sure he’s notified of the adoption ahead of time. 

• Should The Adoptive Parents Have Access to The Birth Father?

One of the advantages to open or semi-open adoption is the adoptive parent’s ability to access the birth mother for medical records, background information, and other important information. However, the birth mother is only half of who made the child. Without access to the birth father, the adoptive parents are missing that other half.  Additionally, having updates on the child helps the birth father grieve and move forward healthily. Ultimately, it’s up to you and the adoptive parents if the birth father is part of the adoption or not. Just because he is supportive of the adoption does not mean you have to include him. 

Unplanned Pregnancy Options and Working Around The Birth Father 

Unfortunately, a lot of birth fathers in an unplanned pregnancy are not the picture-perfect partner and parent. Because of this, it is relatively easy for the birth mother to proceed with the adoption despite any potential protests. If you face an unplanned pregnancy or are concerned about the birth father in your adoption, contact Adoption Choices of Kansas. We can help determine the best approach for your situation. You are never alone in the adoption journey. Working with an adoption agency means assuring the future for you and your baby. Do you have any other questions or concerns about the birth father? 

Adoption Choices of Kansas serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more!
Call Us 877-903-4488 or Text Us 316-209-2071

Meet the Author: Michelle Brugioni is a practiced, well-versed college-educated writer and avid coffee drinker. She has ten years of experience as a freelance writer and has written for an alarmingly wide range of clients and publications. She has written on topics like: life science, biopharmaceutical company acquisitions, dealing with anxiety, and creative drinking games. 

As a fearless writer and masterful researcher, each time Michelle is approached with the question, “Can you write this?” she responds confidently with, “When do you need it?”