As a birth father involved in the adoption process, it can seem like your role is overshadowed at times by the birth mother. The truth is, you could be the deciding factor for how the adoption process is approached and completed. Whether you and the birth mother are together or not, you play an important part that matters. At Adoption Choices of Arizona, we realize how difficult this time is for you, and we’re here to help you understand your options! Here are some ways you can affect the adoption process.
If you and the birth mother mutually agree on adoption, be as involved as you can, and support her through everything.
Obviously, deciding to search for an adoption plan is never easy. Although the process will be less strenuous since you’re both agreeing to start the adoption process, that doesn’t mean the emotions will be any less severe. The best thing to do is to support the birth mother, reassuring her she’s doing what’s right for the child, and attend as many of the adoption procedures as possible. Of course, you can be as active in the process as you want, but this will let her know you’re confident in the decision, and you immensely care for both her and the child.
You can disregard notices from the birth mother or adoption agency, if you wish.
If you’re no longer with the birth mother or simply wish to stay out of the situation, you’re allowed to disregard any notices you receive about the adoption process. This means, however, that all of your parental rights will be forgone. This is an option that should be heavily thought over, but if you feel it’s the best decision, there’s nothing wrong with it.
You can block the adoption even as an unmarried birth father.
Of course, both you and the birth mother have the same legal rights in the beginning. You both can express your right to take care of your child and block an adoption. In Arizona, unmarried birth fathers are required to show responsibility for and toward the child to earn the right to block the adoption. This includes having to file for paternity and consistently paying visits to the child.
Contact an adoption attorney or consultant to find out your other rights.
No one knows about your complete set of rights better than adoption attorneys and consultants. At Adoption Choices of Arizona, our attorney who doesn’t specifically consult birth mothers is Jay McCarthy of McCarthy Weston PLLC. We also have several specialists to whom we can connect you. Since the adoption process is different for everyone, there is no way to know all of your rights without the assistance of a professional, and you definitely want to know everything you can do to make the process easier and better for you, the birth mother, and your child.
For more valuable adoption resources, visit www.adoptionchoicesofarizona.org or text us at 1-480-900-5520.
