Adoption in Missouri when the Birth Father is Unknown or Unsupportive

By Jonathan Tick

There are situations where birth mothers are by themselves deciding how to put a child up for adoption. But in other cases, birth mothers have a partner who stands by them when they seek pregnancy help. Most of the time, birth mothers in Missouri have birth fathers who support their decision to seek out local adoption agencies. But this may not be the case for all birth mothers in Missouri in that situation. Below are recommended steps or suggestions to take for adoption in Missouri when the birth father is unknown or unsupportive.

What to do if the Baby’s Birth Father is Unknown

Out of the two possible scenarios here, not knowing who the birth father is the easier of the two situations. However, it does still come with its difficulties and challenges. For the most part, your adoption process can continue without the need for the birth father’s consent. Missouri state law mentions that consent from a birth parent isn’t needed if their identity can’t be found out. So if his identity is unknown by all parties involved, he likely has no legal way to interfere with the adoption process.

But if you have any information regarding who the birth father can be, let your adoption specialist and counselors know. Just like how the adoption plan can differ from woman to woman, so can the situation regarding the birth father and his rights. And if you’re in a similar situation and thinking about adoption, please seek adoption agencies near you as they will be able to guide you through the legal hurdles that can come from seeking adoption.

Adoption When the Baby’s Birth Father is Unsupportive

These situations usually involve the birth father still intending to enact his rights as the child’s biological father. In cases like these, an unsupportive birth father must show that he is capable of supporting the child on his own. And that he has the willingness to provide for the child to be granted custody. Not fulfilling these requirements will make it unlikely for him to be granted custody. And the adoption process can then continue as normal.   

Birth fathers can also be deemed unfit for a myriad of other reasons, including but not limited to varying allegations or disabilities that can deem them, unfit parents. If you have any further questions regarding an unsupportive birth father, please contact your local adoption agency for help. Knowing your rights and the rights of the birth father will help decide the best course of action for your baby. After all, your baby’s future is being decided at the end of the day.

Another option not involving your Missouri adoption agency is to talk it out with the child’s birth father. Try and teach him about the benefits of adoption. Maybe explain to him how and why you’re putting a child up for adoption. And what benefits your child will receive once they’re in the hands of their adoptive family. Doing so can establish a mutual understanding of why adoption is a positive decision in the long run. And can even bring the unsupportive birth father to support the choice for adoption in some cases.  

How can Adoptive Mothers Help Birth Mothers when the Birth Father is Unknown or Unsupportive?

A birth father can be a difficult obstacle during the adoption process. Whether or not they’re unknown or unsupportive of the decision, they will most likely impact your adoption process. When you’re looking at how to put a baby up for adoption, seeking legal help from the sources around you is advised. Adoption Choices of Missouri wants to be there to help you through these tough times. Our resources can help provide you with legal help during your pregnancy. And be there to make sure your adoption in Missouri goes as smoothly as possible. So that even though the toughest of times, both you and your child are supported throughout your time with us. Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800.