Is the Birth Father Forgotten During the Adoption Process?

By Jacob LaBau

Birth fathers are often left behind in the adoption process either because he does not want to be involved or the birth mother disallows them from being included. Unfortunately, this spreads misinformation about what a birth father can and cannot do during adoption. You might even wonder if a birth father is forgotten during the adoption process? If your husband or boyfriend is a supportive figure willing to participate in the adoption process, let him help. Given the opportunity, a birth father plays a significant role in the adoption process. They can help make crucial decisions in the adoption plan, transport you for hospital visits, and assist you financially. But, if the birth father does not wish to concern himself with your future child, remember that you are not alone. Adoption Choices of Kansas is here to pick up the slack that the birth father decided to leave behind. We have the resources to combat loneliness and give you that supportive base you may have never had. Initially, figure out your first steps on how to put a child up for adoption, and Adoption Choices of Kansas will take care of the rest.

Birth Fathers’ Rights in Adoption

What if I am close to my expected delivery date, and my boyfriend does not want to go through with the adoption? Depending on the relationship status with your boyfriend, he more than likely does not have the authority to deny the adoption. When it comes to decision-making, you are given more power than the birth father. You get the final say on all decisions within the adoption process. If this control sounds appealing, Wichita adoption could be right for you. However, there are several states’ definitions of “father” that will determine how much control you possess.

Some requirements or definitions for a birth father to be presumed as the father of the child in Kansas include but are not limited to:

• The man and the child’s mother are or have been married to each other, and the child is born during the marriage or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death or the filing for divorce.
• The man has acknowledged the paternity of the child in writing.
• With the man’s consent, the man is named as the child’s father on the birth certificate.
• The man is obligated to support the child under a written voluntary promise or by a court order.
• While the child is a minor, he has resided with the child and openly claimed the child as his biological child.

If the birth father meets all these requirements, he can request that the adoption be denied. Nevertheless, the request is not always accepted by the state. The courts will examine the relationship between you and the birth father and other factors to determine what is best for the child. Talk about adoption with the birth father, and see if putting a child up for adoption is right for both of you. Establish a strong foundation of communication with the birth father early. This will allow the two of you to skip out on legal fees and create a healthy post-placement communication plan. 

Unmarried Birth Fathers’ Rights in Adoption

Unmarried fathers used to possess fewer rights when deciding to pursue adoption. In the past few decades, unmarried fathers have challenged the termination of their parental rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional protection of the father’s parental rights when he had established a substantial relationship with the child. Your baby may not have been born, so this does not apply to you. An unmarried birth father awaiting the arrival of his and your child does not receive automatic paternity rights. He cannot deny the adoption unless he has submitted a prior paternal claim. Find out how to put a child up for adoption with or without the support of the birth father.

Supportive Birth Fathers During the Adoption Journey

Supportive birth fathers exist, and they can make the adoption process much easier. Start by notifying him that you want to pursue adoption for your future baby. There are ways for him to be a part of your beautiful adoption plan. He can be there for all the meetings with the adoption specialist to help create a plan that works for both of you. When your baby finally arrives, he can be there at the hospital with you too. Incorporate the birth father and work together as a team. It can be challenging to face this all by yourself. Learn how to put a child up for adoption and visit a local adoption agency with the birth father. Visit some prospective families to see if adoption is the right choice for your baby.

You Are Not Alone During the Adoption Process

Adoption Choices of Kansas will always be here for you! An unplanned pregnancy can often result in the disappearance or unwillingness of the birth father to raise that child. Adoption is an admirable choice that requires a brave woman like yourself to endure. Adoption Choices of Kansas offers counseling and support groups during such a ruthless time. If you are considering adoption, see what kind of pregnant help you can receive.

Choosing adoption is not giving up. If you need unplanned pregnancy help now, Adoption Choices of Kansas serves birth parents statewide and beyond. We can help with teen pregnancy, financial assistance, difficult situations, and more. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call Us 877-903-4488 or Text Us 316-209-2071