Birth Father Adoptions FAQ in Florida

At Adoption Choices of Florida, we primarily work with pregnant women and birth mothers through the Florida adoption process, but for birth fathers who would like to be involved, we are more than happy to make you a part of the Florida adoption process. The only exceptions are cases where the birth mother is uncomfortable or feels unsafe around the birth father. Every situation is unique, and depending on the circumstances, we may still keep the birth father involved, just in a more limited capacity. Read on for FAQs, whether you are wondering about birth father adoptions, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or are considering placing your baby for adoption.

What is the Florida adoption process like?

Generally, pregnant women who decide to work with us will be assigned an adoption specialist. That person will help guide them and answer their questions and inform them what their options are. You’ll choose what type of adoption to do and create a Florida adoption plan and a birth plan. If you pick an open or semi-open adoption, you’ll have more say in potential adoptive families and can even meet them and get to know them.

For those who lack resources or need a safe place to stay or financial assistance, we’ll provide that for you. Once you’ve given birth, you’ll have 48 hours to sign the relinquishment papers so the adoptive family can leave the hospital with the adoptee. After the adoption has taken place, our counselors are always available in case you need extra support. Adoption is hard on people, and placing a baby for adoption often requires a grieving process and a need for closure. Our counselors are all wonderful people who will help you through this difficult period, even years after the adoption has taken place.

Does the birth father have to be involved?

If we can locate him to pass the information along, we will do so. If he’s abandoned you and the child, we will try to notify him. However, if he is unknown or can’t be located, we are not exactly going to hire a private investigator to track him down. If you are married and/or he’s listed on the baby’s birth certificate, he should be involved in the process to some degree. We know how fraught these situations can be for many people, which is why we don’t believe in pressuring anyone to do anything they’re not comfortable doing, but we do hope that both people will be involved in the adoption process when possible. We advocate for this both for the child’s benefit and so that the birth mother has support.

As the birth father, can I adopt my own child?

For birth fathers who would like to have full parental rights, we would, of course, have no objection. However, if the birth mother disagrees, then we recommend taking the matter to a lawyer. Unfortunately, we can’t provide legal advice in such situations. We only want the best for your baby.

What if I don’t want to be involved?

As the birth father, it’s fairly easy not to get involved if you’re not interested. We won’t make any assumptions about your reasons why, as long as you are not causing harm or distress to the birth mother. If we notify you about the adoption, you don’t need to do anything. If we can’t locate you to notify you, then that’s it. We do, however, strongly encourage you to be involved to some extent in order to support the birth mother and be there for her while she’s going through something extremely difficult. Getting pregnant is hard on the body and placing a baby for adoption is hard on the mind. Birth mothers need and deserve support from people who care about them. Consider being that support if you are able to.

What are my rights as the birth father?

If you are not married to the birth mother but want to establish your rights as the birth father, you’ll need to establish paternity, either by having your name on the birth certificate or through a paternity test. Again, this is something that is probably best discussed with a lawyer, and it will depend on what your goals are. Establishing paternity is not necessary if the baby is being placed for adoption, but it will benefit the child in the future if they would like information about where they came from. The final choices in matters of adoption will be down to the birth mother since she is the one carrying the child and giving birth. You do have rights, but only if you claim them.

Have more questions? Give us a call!

At Adoption Choices of Florida, we’re always happy to talk and answer questions. Adoption is complex, and we see all kinds of people pass through our doors. We want you to get the compassionate, professional care you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

If you are a pregnant woman in Florida considering adoption, and have any questions or concerns about the adoption process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information on adoption, visit us at Adoption Choices of Florida or call us at: (833) 352-3678