Are Birth Fathers Forgotten During the Oklahoma Adoption Process?
By Connor Shelton
Putting a child up for adoption can be difficult. We’re not going to deny this. It’s tense, stressful, nerve-wracking, and requires you to part with your child for several reasons. And it’s made all the more difficult when the birth father is not a part of your life. Whether you’re not on good terms with them or have no idea who they are, the fact is they’re not there. Perhaps you’re worried that their absence might derail everything. If this is you, then you should pay extra close attention to the following information. We’ll cover all you need to know about the birth father’s role in the adoption process.
The Parental Rights of Birth Fathers in Oklahoma
Do birth fathers have parental rights? To answer this question which might be going through your head, yes. Any birth father that establishes paternity has parental rights to their unborn child. This means that he has a say in whether you even give a child up for an Oklahoma adoption. If the two of you are split on the decision, know that he has the right to contest an adoption.
The Role of Consent when Pregnant, Considering Adoption
It might seem random to talk about consent when it comes to the birth father’s role, but its role is very important to discuss. It’s often asked if a birth father’s consent is needed to proceed with an adoption. Depending on the circumstances, one does not need a birth father’s consent to proceed with adoption. But what are those circumstances? Let’s look at the following scenarios to find out.
What Happens if the Birth Father is Unknown or Unreachable?
If a birth father is unknown, you can usually start the Oklahoma adoption process without their consent. The exception is if the birth father were to fill out a paternity registry. Such an action requires them to know about your pregnancy, meaning it is unlikely to happen.
If a birth father is known but unreachable, our adoption specialists will try and find him. This is done to ensure all proper legal procedures are followed, and if we find him, we will make contact. Hopefully, by doing this, he will sign off on the adoption plan and/or legally surrender his parental rights. And if we don’t find the birth father, you can still proceed with the adoption plan.
What can I do if the Birth Father is Unsupportive?
We’re going to give it to you straight. If you happen to know who the biological father of your child is, it’s required by law that you tell him about the adoption. It’s just the way things are, and unfortunately, there’s a chance the father might not be supportive of adoption. This can be for any number of reasons.
First, there’s still some considerable stigma surrounding adoption. Due to various myths and misconceptions, people frown upon the process as a moral failing on the part of the birth mother. You probably know that it’s not, but the birth father might still believe this and, as a result, not support the adoption. This is more common than you’d think. Humans typically have a lack of understanding of things they don’t personally go through. It’s important then that you put the birth father in your shoes. As patronizing as this might sound, you need to explain to him why adoption is the best option for you and your child.
Social stigmas aren’t the only reason a birth father could be unsupportive. Some fathers might be against adoption because they want to raise the child. Depending on who the father is, this could be sweet or scary. Regardless of their personality, they’ll have to prove their preparedness if they want custody. To do this, the father will have to prove he can provide financial support for himself and the child. If he cannot provide the necessary support, the Oklahoma adoption process can resume without his consent.https://adoptionchoicesofoklahoma.org/
Are you in a Situation Where the Birther Father is Unknown or Unsupportive? Get in Touch with an Adoption Caseworker
Whether you contact us or any other Adoption agencies in Oklahoma, know that you’re not alone in your situation. At Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, we strive for the adoption process to proceed smoothly. That means granting you the aid of our caseworkers when creating your adoption plan. Though the birth father might be unknown or unsupportive, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t receive support. That’s why we’re here to navigate you through every concern you might have, so you know how much control you have.
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and a leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized adoption experience to all involved in the adoption process. If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-201-6643 | Email
