Types of Birth Fathers: Known vs. Unknown
Generally speaking, birth fathers are not talked about a lot in the adoption process. More often than not, everything focuses around the birth mother, adoptive parents and the adoptee. However, birth fathers are still an important part of the adoption triad and should be discussed. Especially because, without him, your child wouldn’t exist.
With adoption, there are two different types of birth fathers — known and unknown. Adoption Choices of Kansas feels it’s crucial to break down these two categories to ensure a smooth and positive adoption journey. So, we are here to help, and want to provide the following information about birth fathers..
Known Birth Fathers
If you are in a relationship with, married to or divorced from your child’s birth father, he falls under this category. He could also be an ex who you may or may not be on speaking terms with anymore. Yet, more to the point, you know who he is. He could even be sitting next to you right now, excited to support you on your decision to place your baby for adoption and reading this blog with you.
Known birth fathers tend to be more rare when it comes to the adoption process. There are a myriad reasons for this, of course, as everyone’s circumstances are unique. Depending on your relationship, he could choose to be supportive and involved or not. It is completely up to you how much say he has. If you have a good relationship, it may be beneficial to include him in the decision making process so he can be there for moral support.
However, if your child’s birth father is known, he will need to be made aware of your pregnancy and sign away his parental rights before the adoption can be finalized. There is then the option of having his name written on your child’s Original Birth Certificate post birth in the hospital. This, of course, is up to you and depends on the type of relationship you have with him.
Unknown Birth Fathers
On the flip side is an unknown birth father. Somebody who is still your child’s birth father, but you do not know who he is. He could be anyone from a one-night stand to someone who sexually assaulted you. In other words, he could be anybody and you don’t know who. No matter how hard you think about it. That’s completely ok.
Unknown birth fathers are more common within the adoption world. As an agency, we do our due diligence and try to locate him through a variety of methods. If he comes forward, he is made aware of your pregnancy and is given a choice of whether or not he wants to be involved in the adoption process. If he says yes, you, as the birth mother, still have the ultimate say in what that looks like. Our priority is keeping you and your baby safe and healthy.
If your child’s birth father doesn’t appear after the allotted time, your adoption journey is permitted to continue. His signature is not needed for the adoption to be finalized, and his name doesn’t go onto the Original Birth Certificate post birth in the hospital.
Types of Birth Fathers
Not knowing your child’s birth father can be nerve-wracking and overwhelming. Especially with regards to placing your baby for adoption. But don’t worry. Known or unknown, you can still receive help with your adoption journey. Remember that you are never alone. We are always there for you no matter what. As are any and all of your support system — your close friends and family. Our agency and staff is committed to answering your questions, addressing your concerns and ensuring that you have the most positive and empowering adoption experience possible.
Whether or not you know who your child’s birth father is, it does not mean you can’t place your baby for adoption. He doesn’t need to be involved for you to find the best prospective adoptive family to raise your child. If you are nervous or scared about your child’s birth father — let us know! We will help, and can still ensure that your baby gets the chance to live his or her best life with their adoptive family.
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: Jason Legasse is a rising senior English major studying at Siena College in Loudonville, New York. He hails from the Albany, New York area, but has plans to relocate to sunny Venice, Florida with his mom come Fall. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Jason plans to study General Special Education at Meredith College, where he will earn a Master’s degree and use that to teach middle school Special Education.
Jason is a self-proclaimed introvert with Asperger’s who really enjoys writing. He has a huge passion for helping others, specifically those with disabilities. He is very excited to be working with Adoption Choices over the summer, and looks forward to learning more about the adoption process!
