Can I do an Adoption Plan in New York If I Don’t Know Who The Father Is?
Adoption in New York has its own set of rules and regulations. If you’re a pregnant woman considering adoption contact us at Adoption Choices of New York. We’re here to help you in any way we can. Our adoption professionals will provide a foundation of trust and support in order to assist you in the best way possible. We can help you find programs that offer financial aid for expectant mothers, temporary housing, and affordable health insurance that will cover prenatal visits.
Knowing Your Birth Mother Rights in NY
Every pregnant woman’s situation is different and the laws in New York are instituted to reflect the varied complex circumstances in order to create a positive environment for women considering adoption. In New York there are conditions where an adoption can continue without the father’s consent. There are specific requirements in order for this to continue but if you feel your situation fits the criteria speak to an adoption professional for further information.
If you are unsure of who the father is under New York law you are able to continue the adoption without consent if you are not able to contact the father. In most cases, unless the possible father poses a threat to you and your unborn child, it is a legal requirement for you to attempt to contact the possible fathers. If you are unable to locate or contact the possible fathers or they do not respond you will be able to move forward with your adoption plan.
A paternity test will be required if one or more of the possible fathers respond. At this point if paternity is proved they will have the option to be involved in the adoption plan. Or they can sign away their parental rights and have zero involvement. If paternity is not proven the possible father will not have any parental rights and will not need to be involved in the adoption process.
Beginning Your Adoption Plan in NY
Waiting for a response from possible fathers can take awhile or it may not come at all. At this point you can begin your adoption plan but be aware it can be halted if the father does not want to relinquish his parental rights. Beginning your adoption plan in the meantime is a good way to flesh out any ideas and details you may be uncertain of. You can create a framework to base the detailed adoption plan off of too if you would rather wait for any response from the possible fathers.
If there is a response and paternity is proved, having an adoption plan laid out can be helpful for some fathers who want to know more about the entire process. After paternity is proven if the birth father wants to give up his parental rights you will have already started your adoption plan and can continue without interruption.
Contacting The Possible Birth Fathers
Life happens, unexpected pregnancies can happen whether you have one casual partner or multiple partners. When there is a possibility of paternity split between two or more fathers all parties must be contacted or there must be an attempt. This can include phone calls, texts, or emails. Anything that can be recorded and given to a judge as proof if there is no response from one or any of the possible fathers.
New York is one of the many states that have what is called the ‘Putative Father Registry’. A legal database where men can register in case they happen to father a child without their knowledge. This system is usually the first way birth mothers attempt to contact possible fathers. The father would have had to register himself at any point in time in order for his information to appear. When the PFR is a dead end you will have to attempt to contact them through family, friends, or social media if you cannot reach them via text or phone call. After all routes are exhausted you may present proof to a judge and they can allow the adoption to go through without parental consent.
Adoption With an Unknown Birth Father
Are you questioning the paternity of your unborn child but still want to choose adoption? Adoption agencies in NY have the answers to your questions. Please contact us at Adoption Choices of New York. We will provide support and a helping hand to guide you through the adoption process from start to finish.
