Ideally, the decision to place a baby for adoption will include both the birth mother and the birth father. However, there are many reasons that the father may not be involved or know about the adoption process before it begins. When an open adoption in Texas is in process, a birth father is notified of the adoption. After that, the birth father can either consent to the adoption or contest it, meaning he will stop the adoption process and assert his parental rights. The paternal laws in Texas are quite unique and can affect the adoption process in different ways than other states. In today’s post, we’ll take a closer look at paternal rights in the adoption process.
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Adoption Rights For Birth Fathers
When She Wants Adoption and He Doesn’t
Contest The Adoption
A birth father has the right to contest the adoption. This means he will legally assert his parental rights and take steps that will stop the adoption process. This does not mean he will get custody, it simply stops the adoption proceedings. If a birth father contests an adoption, it does not always mean he wants the child but is hesitant to place the child for adoption for fear of losing the child forever. However, open adoption options help alleviate some of the angst and help both birth parents come to a consensus on adoption. In an open adoption, both the biological father and the biological mother can work with the adoptive family regarding how often they want to stay in touch with the child, either separately or together.
Birth mothers with biological fathers contesting adoption should ask them to seriously consider the following:
The birth mother wants to place the child for adoption. This means she probably can’t or doesn’t want to parent the child. A birth father should want his child to have parents who are eager to raise the baby. Just because she wants adoption doesn’t mean she doesn’t love this child. She is trying to give this child what she feels is the best opportunity for a bright future.
What kind of father he will be. Is he prepared to:
- Attend every doctor’s appointment
- Provide emotional and financial support for the baby and the baby’s mother
- Provide these things if he and the mother are no longer together
- Hold a stable job and offer a stable home life and income
- Maintain health insurance and medical care
- Have an extended support system from family and friends
- Afford daycare or child support
Considering adoption may feel like a failure as a father. Perhaps he is disappointed in himself and has a fear that family, friends, or co-workers will not look at him the same. It’s important to remember that making an adoption plan takes a great deal of courage and love.
Consenting to the Adoption
As the birth father, a man can consent to the adoption and choose to play an active role in the adoption process. He can help choose the adoptive family and be involved in the adoption planning. Once the adoption is final, he can receive updates and participate in visits if this arrangement was a part of the open adoption terms.
To learn more about your rights as a birth father in the adoption process or how to talk to the father of your baby about adoption if you are a birth mother looking to place your child for adoption in Texas, connect with the adoption specialists at AIM Adoption today.