Birth fathers’ rights vary from state to state and on a case-by-case basis. Texas law recognizes that not every birth father agrees with placing their child for adoption, but there are actions they must follow if they want to stop the proceedings.
You need to work with a reputable, licensed adoption agency, such as New Life Adoptions, to ensure you comply with Texas law. For expectant mothers or birth mothers, all of our services are provided free of charge.
Talk with us about your situation, and we can advise you on how to move forward with the adoption process. Learn more about a birth father’s rights in Texas and what he must do to verify his paternity in the state.
Can the Birth Father Prevent Me From Making an Adoption Plan?
If you are married, your husband is automatically presumed to be the birth father. He must legally give his consent to the adoption. However, there are circumstances where he would lose his paternity rights. Those circumstances may include the following:
- Abandonment of the mother or child for more than 6 months.
- Child or spousal abuse and family violence criminal convictions.
- Failure to support the family financially as obligated.
If your spouse is not the birth father, the man you name as the father becomes an alleged father. He must establish paternity by other means to exercise his paternal rights. Those actions may include the following:
- Registering with the Texas Putative Father Registry (for men who believe they are the legal father of a child) within 31 days of the child’s birth.
- Legally establish paternity through a DNA test.
- Immediately begin providing physical and emotional prenatal and financial support.
- Hiring an attorney to pursue custody in court.
What If I’m Unmarried or Unsure Who the Father Is?
If you are unmarried or unsure, the adoption agency can contact a potential birth father if that is your desire. You may also keep his identity confidential. If he admits to the possibility of paternity but doesn’t want to take responsibility as a father, he can terminate his parental rights even before your baby is born.
Birth fathers who terminate their rights can still receive letters and photos from the adoptive couple if they wish. At New Life Adoptions, we encourage birth fathers to remain a part of their child’s life.
Get the Legal Advice You Need
An unexpected pregnancy is stressful enough, but adding the complication of an unknown or uncooperative father to your adoption plan makes it even harder. Let the legal advisors at New Life Adoptions give you the confidence you need to move forward.
Every situation is unique, including yours. We’ll make sure you have an airtight adoption from start to finish in accordance with Texas law.
Schedule an appointment to talk with us. Call or text us at 281-955-1001. We’re available to answer your questions and help you create a personalized adoption plan that offers you and your child a brighter future.