Birth Father Consent: Can I Choose Adoption in Missouri Without the Birth Father’s Permission?

By Alex Reza

It is possible that your unplanned pregnancy has complicated your relationship with the birth father. Rest assured that this is not unusual. You will need the birth father’s consent to put your baby up for adoption as. Generally speaking, a child cannot be put up for adoption without the consent of both parents. The birth father does have rights that must be taken into account when adoption is involved. However, some exceptions may apply. 

 Depending upon the circumstances between you and the birth father, you may be able to move forward without his consent. For example, if the father of your child denies he is the legitimate parent and denies paternity. There may also be an instance where the birth father’s identity is unknown to you, or if known, the court could determine that he is unfit to care for your child or that he abandoned the child. It is imperative in Missouri and most state that your child’s welfare is of primary concern.

That is why Adoption Choices of Missouri is available to help guide you through this complex issue of consent. Each adoption situation is unique, and each state’s adoption laws are different. Our adoption specialists will help you determine the best course of action to proceed with your adoption plan, and they will provide expert legal representation. For further help, please click on this link: adoption agencies near me.

How does the state of Missouri define a birth father?

A birth father is the biological father of a child, so your child would share DNA with this individual. If a man is married to you at the time of your child’s birth or is a registered partner, he will be considered the child’s legal father or a presumed father. If you are not married, then legally, he would be considered a putative father. For more information about the different types of both fathers please consult your adoption specialist.

As a putative father, he would need to establish his paternity with the court system no later than fifteen days after your child’s birth, and he must file with the putative father registry. If the birth or putative father consents to the adoption, he will no longer have any future interest in the child, and he terminates his parental rights.

We understand that this may seem like a complicated process. However, adoption agencies in Missouri, along with an assigned adoption attorney, can assist you in navigating the laws governing adoption. Our aim is to make this entire process less stressful for you. In addition, you will have a Birth Parent Counselor to help you understand all the intricacies of adoption and which course of action would be best for you and your child.

Navigating the process of consent with the birth father

Generally, the birth mother has more importance and leverage when it comes to making the decisions about giving a baby up for adoption. If the birth father has abandoned your child for at least six months before you put your baby up for adoption, his consent will not be required. Also, if the birth father denies the paternity of your child, then again, his consent is not necessary.

To help determine the necessity of the birth father’s consent, please contact your local adoption agency. We will help you understand the legal requirements of adoption in Missouri. If the birth father agrees with you to place your child up for adoption, the adoption process will not be complicated. He will just need to give his written consent before a judge or notary public and provide two witnesses to his signature on the document.

As a full-service, licensed adoption agency, Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to guide you through this process. For further help, please click on this link to find adoption agencies near me to provide you with all the resources you will need to protect your adoption rights as a birth mother and obtain the free legal representation necessary to assist in the consent process.

The importance of an adoption plan

Depending on your relationship with the birth father during your pregnancy, it is important to have an adoption plan. 

This will be very helpful if your relationship with the birth father is complicated, abusive, or contentious. In these cases, it is possible to proceed with the adoption without his consent. Of utmost importance are the safety of you and your child. If the birth father is absent or does not want to acknowledge he is the father, a judge can grant you sole parental rights. This will allow you to proceed with the adoption without the birth father’s involvement.

In addition, an adoption plan will provide you with counseling, legal advice, prenatal care during your pregnancy, financial support, and safe housing if needed. Most importantly, we will provide you with emotional support throughout your adoption journey. We are here for you to help out in any way we can!

If you are a woman considering adoption and seeking information on the process, your local adoption agency can assist you. Click on this link to locate the adoption agencies near me. They are available to help you throughout this important journey.

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