A Birth Father’s Role and Responsibilities in the Adoption Process
Some birth fathers may feel like a lesser parent for aiding in the adoption process. However, that is not the case. For instance, if he is known and in the picture, he can support the birth mother in choosing adoption and doing what’s best for the child. Birth fathers can also make decisions alongside the birth mother, whether they are together or not.
The birth father’s roles and responsibilities in the adoption process depend on many factors. These can include but are not limited to wanting or being present throughout the adoption journey. To explain this more, Adoption Choices of New York is here to share different scenarios that may affect a birth father’s role in the adoption of his child.
The Birth Father’s Role in Adoption
If the birth father is in the picture, he has the opportunity to play a significant role in the adoption process. First, he is able to establish his paternity and make decisions with the birth mother regarding what’s best for their future — together and separate. When both he and the birth mother agree that adoption is the best option, he will need to sign away his parental rights before the adoption can be finalized.
The relationship status he shares with the birth mother is another role he plays in the adoption journey. He can be dating, married or divorced to the birth mother. In these circumstances, he can work closely with the birth mother and have a say in how things look moving forward. If he has specific preferences regarding the level of openness the adoption agreement has, he can voice those.
If he and the birth mother are not together, the ultimate decisions will go in favor of the birth mother. Even if he wants to still be involved, he will need the birth mother’s consent. He will still need to sign away his parental rights as well.
The Birth Father’s Responsibilities in Adoption
Adoption Choices of New York offers counseling and legal representation to all of our birth parents at no cost to them. A birth father’s role and responsibilities in the adoption process are to ensure that he is taking care of himself and healthfully processing his feelings if he wants to be involved with the adoption journey. That, and be supportive and helpful to the birth mother.
If a birth father doesn’t process and work through the emotions that accompany the decision to place a baby for adoption, he will not be able to make good, healthy decisions or be useful to anyone. This includes himself. Birth fathers are just as susceptible to feelings of grief, loss, and sadness as birth mothers are during the adoption journey. Thus, he has a responsibility to address this with a counselor so he can move forward and truly put his child’s best interests above his own. Choosing adoption takes an immense amount of strength, courage, and selflessness.
Another responsibility a birth father has is to the prospective adoptive parents he and the birth mother choose for the child. In an open adoption agreement, he should establish a relationship with the couple or individual to ensure a smooth transition through the adoption process and post finalization.
Birth Fathers and the Adoption Process
We realize this may feel like an isolating time for birth fathers, but you are not alone. Adoption Choices of New York is here to support you and the birth mother both as you journey together. The brave choice to support adoption and be involved in the process is a gift not only to the birth mother, but also the adoptive family and your child.
If you are a birth father considering adoption and have questions regarding your specific circumstances, we’d love to hear from you! We are here to support you in any way we can. Contact Us 24/7: 800-505-8592 (Phone) | 518-478-8420
