Expectant Parent Call 480-900-5520 Text 602-922-0408 Or 602-922-0401
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Adoptive Parent Call 480-999-4310
Serving Expectant Parents Statewide With Offices located in:
Phoenix | Flagstaff | Tuscon

Birth Father Roles and Responsibilities in the Arizona Adoption Process

Frequently Asked Questions for Birth Fathers

A birth father is the biological father of a child who has been or will be adopted; understanding birth father rights and how they apply to the adoption process is just as important as it is for the birth mother of the child. Below we address frequently asked questions – both by expectant birth mother and birth father.

 

What if the father of my baby is unknown, uninvolved, or unsupportive? 

Depending on the facts of the situation, we may be able to help you place your baby for adoption even without the birth father’s consent. Each adoption situation is unique, and our team will help you determine whether you can move forward with your adoption plan.

Your situation will determine the best course of action to proceed with your adoption plan. An unknown, uninvolved, or unsupportive birth father will not stop your adoption from moving forward. Call us so we can help you explore your options and get you in touch with legal counsel who can help!

 

 

What if the father of my baby is supportive or we are a married couple choosing adoption?

If you are a married couple, in a relationship, or no longer together, but the child’s father is supportive of your adoption plan, the adoption can continue without any additional requirements. Together, the two of you can choose an adoptive family for your child and determine what level of contact you would like to maintain with your child and his or her adoptive family.

Once the child is born, both you and the birth father will sign consent paperwork that will allow the adoption to take place. According to Arizona adoption law, these consents cannot be signed until 72 hours after the birth.

 

 

What if I am pregnant and divorcing the father of the baby; is adoption an option?

If you are getting a divorce while pregnant, you may wonder, can I put a baby up for adoption while in a divorce?

Adoption is always an option for an expectant mother, even if you are going through a divorce while pregnant. While there are several aspects to consider during this time, including the possibility of becoming a single parent, what’s most important is the best interest of your unborn baby.

If you decide you want to “give up” your baby for adoption while going through a divorce, you will need to understand your rights and the father’s rights in this process. Your Birth Parent Counselor will go over your unique situation and help you understand your best course of action.

Remember, you are never obligated to choose adoption, even if you contact Adoption Choices of Kansas and Missouri while you are pregnant and going through a divorce. Before you make this life-changing decision, we encourage you to think hard about your situation and what is best for your unborn child.

If you are pregnant, going through a divorce, and considering adoption, you should also read:

Should I Keep My Baby While Divorcing?  and

“Giving Up” Your Baby for Adoption to Save Your Marriage

 

 

What are my adoption responsibilities as the father of the baby?

When it comes to dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, much of the compassion, sympathy and focus is placed on the woman. But what about the father of the baby? How does he feel when the mother of his baby is considering adoption, and what are his responsibilities as the birth father?

It is common for birth fathers and birth mothers to experience many of the same emotions, such as grief, denial or sadness, but one of the strongest emotions that birth fathers feel is embarrassment.

Embarrassment is common because these men sometimes feel like they didn’t live up to their responsibilities as the birth father. They fear family members, friends, co-workers or fellow students will look at them as somehow failing the child. And they struggle to accept the fact that, at this point in their lives, they cannot provide for the baby like an adoptive family could.

If you are a father in a similar situation, please understand that supporting an adoption doesn’t portray you as irresponsible, weak or a man not living up to the responsibilities of a father. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

Supporting the birth mother’s adoption plan is the most responsible decision you can make in this situation. Making such a difficult decision takes a great deal of strength that will make others proud. You will be remembered as a true blessing to not only your family and the adoptive family, but also to your birth son or daughter.

Regardless if you and the birth mother are still together, you may still be a part of the adoption plan.

If you are still together, you both can decide exactly how you want the adoption to play out. Together, you will choose the adoptive family, what kind of contact you want with the adoptive family, and what the hospital stay will look like.

If you and the birth mother are not together anymore, you can still be involved in the adoption, and you can even create your own adoption plan. For example, if the birth mother is interested in a closed adoption, but you are interested in receiving pictures, letters and periodic emails from the adoptive family, that can be arranged by your Birth Parent Counselor.

For many birth fathers, this decision can be as difficult as it is for the birth mother.

 

 

If my child is adopted; do I still have to pay child support?

No. The birth father is not responsible for paying child support if the chid is placed for adoption with an adoptive family. This is a common and completely valid question for many prospective birth parents: Will I be responsible for child support if my child is adopted by new parents?

Adoption is the legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from the birth parent(s) to the adoptive parent(s).

In the case of a full adoption (like those completed by Adoption Choices of Arizona), both birth parents’ rights are legally terminated and the child is placed for adoption with a new family. Once the birth parents sign their consent to the adoption, they no longer have rights or responsibilities for the child, including the legal obligation to pay child support.

 

 

Call Or Text Us Today to learn more about your adoption options or start your adoption journey at 888-422-9912
Text or Call: 1-480-900-5520 or Email Us

 

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