FL Adoption When The Birth Father is Unknown or Unsupportive

By Tyra Watts

Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can be a frightening experience for many, especially when the birth father is not in the picture. Unfortunately, whether the birth father is unknown or unsupportive, both instances are very common in the adoption process in Florida. As scary as it may sound, this does not mean you can’t put your baby up for adoption. When it comes to adoption, it is an option that you, the birth mother, have the right to choose. Adoption Choices of Florida will help you get started with an adoption plan and guide you through every step of the adoption process. 

Do Birth Fathers Have Rights?

Regarding the birth father’s rights, you should keep that in mind because it can potentially affect the adoption plan. The birth father’s rights can vary based on your situation. However, in Florida, if you know who the birth father is or the birth father is not married to you, he can claim his rights as the birth father by either taking a paternity test or having his name on the birth certificate. 

If you are married to someone else aside from the birth father, that individual doesn’t have any legal rights over the child. The birth father does. However, even though the birth father has parental rights, most of the time, the birth mother, baby, and the adoptive parent’s interests overpower the birth father’s. If you want more information about birth fathers’ rights, you can contact an adoption specialist or a legal advisor. 

What If The Birth Father Is Unknown? Can I Start An Adoption Plan Without Him?

Although an unknown birth father can be worrisome, adoption agencies in Florida will do their due diligence in reaching out and identifying the birth father. However, if we cannot get in contact with the birth father, he does not have to be a part of the adoption process, and you are allowed to start an adoption plan with us. 

Regarding adoption in Florida, you do not need the birth father’s consent. As stated earlier, adoption is a right that you have, as well as an option that you can choose. Adoption Choices of Florida can help you get started with adoption. You can pick the many types of adoption plans (such as open, semi-open, and closed adoption) that we provide. Depending on the type of adoption plan that you choose, you can create a birth plan, meet the adoptive parents, and be in control of what you want during the process. 

What If The Birth Father is Unsupportive?

If you know who the birth father is, it is required that you let him know about placing your baby for adoption. However, this can be very difficult to do because you may not know how the birth father may react, and his reaction could potentially put a delay in the adoption process.

If the birth father is unsupportive of the adoption, he does have the opportunity to take it to court since that is a part of his rights as the birth father. However, the adoption court process can be difficult for the birth mother and the birth father. As the birth mother, the court process can delay the adoption plan. 

Meanwhile, the birth father must prove to the judge in court that he can provide for himself and the child. If the birth father cannot show proof, we can continue the adoption process. 

Adoption Choices of FL Are Here To Help

Adoption as a single parent can be a scary experience, and the adoption process can be stressful for an unmarried pregnant woman. However, adoption agencies in Florida will guide you throughout the process. We provide financial assistance, medical care, a place to stay, and extra support during and after the adoption. 

Placing your baby for adoption shows that you want what’s best for the baby. There are many adoption options to choose from, and it all starts here at Adoption Choices of Florida. 

Choosing adoption is not giving up. If you need unplanned pregnancy help now, Adoption Choices of Kansas serves birth parents statewide and beyond. We can help with teen pregnancy, financial assistance, difficult situations, and more. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call Us at 877-903-4488 or Text Us 316-209-2071