Birth Father’s Roles and Responsibilities in an Oklahoma Adoption
When it comes to adoption, emphasis is usually placed on the pregnant woman. However, birth fathers can play a big role in the process as well. However, while pregnant women usually follow a pretty standard set of steps during an infant adoption in Oklahoma, a birth father’s involvement can vary much more significantly. Learning a birth father’s roles and responsibilities is an important step in the adoption process. Some birth fathers are heavily involved, and others aren’t even in the picture. However, telling the birth father that you’re pregnant is usually a good idea — and often necessary — but we understand that sometimes that isn’t possible. Also, it’s a good idea to reach out to one of the adoption agencies in Oklahoma to make sure you’re in line with state regulations. At Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, we’re here to help you through the process of communicating and working with the birth father
How Can I Tell the Birth Father I Want to Place Our Baby Up for Adoption in Oklahoma?
Like many other aspects of adoption, this is completely based on your personal situation. Women have varying degrees of relationships with birth fathers, so there is no one size fits all approach. However, in some cases, it’s legally necessary to inform the father. But in other cases, it’s not possible to do so.
The best way to be aware of your options is to reach out to an adoption center in Oklahoma. For example, at Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, we can answer questions like:
- What’s the best way to tell the father of my baby that I’m pregnant?
- Am I legally obligated to tell the father that I’m pregnant?
- I’m getting divorced, and I’m pregnant. Can I place my baby for adoption in Oklahoma?
- What should I do if I’m not sure who my baby’s father is?
- I feel unsafe telling the father I’m pregnant. What should I do?
An unexpected pregnancy is overwhelming enough on its own, so we don’t want you to have to face issues like these by yourself. Our certified counselors are here to help guide you through these problems, and our legal team can make sure you’re on the right track.
What Are a Birth Father’s Rights in an Oklahoma Adoption?
When a birth father is informed about your plan to pursue an adoption, there are different rights he may have depending on the state. For example, in Oklahoma, unmarried birth fathers don’t have many custody rights unless an agreement is created by both of you or written up by a legal official.
The extent of his legal parental input can depend on a lot of circumstances like:
- Your relationship before you became pregnant (strangers, dating, married, divorced, etc.)
- Your particular state laws
- What stage of pregnancy you’re in
- Agreements made between the two of you previously
However, in adoption, the birth father has the right to decide if he wants to be involved. If he wants to take no part in the adoption process, he’s not legally obligated to do so.
What Is a Birth Father’s Role During Adoption in Oklahoma?
A birth father’s roles during the adoption process are going to differ depending on different factors. If he wants to be involved in the adoption process and everything checks out, he can fulfill a similar role to the birth mother. But in the end, the birth mother will have the final say on most decisions.
For example, a birth father can decide what kind of adoption he wants to take part in. Just like a birth mother can decide if she wants an open or closed adoption, a birth father can as well. Even if you decide you want an open adoption, that doesn’t mean the father is obligated to do so, and vice versa.
So, there is a lot of flexibility on the role a birth father will take, and it’s going to depend on varying outside circumstances.
What Are the Birth Father’s Responsibilities in an Oklahoma Adoption?
There are several things a birth father may be obligated to do during the adoption process. For example, an adoption center may need access to his medical history so that adoptive families can be informed in the future.
However, there are a few responsibilities he might take on depending on your relationship. For example, he may:
- Support you during the adoption process
- Take part in adoption counseling
- Communicate with the adoptive family
- Give you transportation to doctor’s appointments
- Participate in visitation during an open adoption
Even if you don’t have this kind of relationship with the birth father, that’s perfectly okay. As long as you have support, it doesn’t matter where it’s coming from.
How Can I Place My Baby for Adoption in Oklahoma?
Placing your baby for adoption can feel overwhelming, but if you have the support of an Oklahoma adoption center — like Adoption Choices of Oklahoma — things will become much easier. We can help you through all steps of the Oklahoma adoption process, and we provide legal, financial, and emotional support along the way.
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and 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: 405-310-8790 | Email
About the Author: Alexandra Georgiton is a fourth-year student at the University of Cincinnati studying Rhetoric and Professional Writing, and is receiving certification in Copyediting and Publishing. She has been passionate about the English language for her entire life, and reading and writing have always been her favorite hobbies. She enjoys professional writing and editing because she loves to use her talent and love of writing to make a difference in the world.
