Birth Father FAQs in a Missouri Adoption
By Katiara Potter
An expectant mother may seek guidance regarding the adoption process in Missouri. She may want to know about her options and what is best for her child. Since the expectant mother is carrying the child, the existence of the child’s father may be irrelevant. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The birth father may play an important role in the adoption process. However, the birth father may not be present in the birth mother’s life. This makes things difficult when thinking about how to include him in the process. That’s why it’s important to know the birth father’s part in the adoption process. Our local adoption agency is here to help you in any way we can whether the birth father is present or not. Here are some birth father FAQs about the birth father’s role in Missouri adoptions.
1. What is the Adoption Process Like for the Birth Father?
The birth father’s adoption process in Missouri can differ depending on the situation. If the birth father chooses to be included, then he may make important decisions with the birth mother. These decisions can include: choosing an adoptive family, making an adoption plan, and seeking assistance and resources. If the birth father chooses not to be included in the process, he can sign away his parental rights. This allows the birth mother to place the baby up for adoption without interference.
2. Will the Birth Father Be Required to Pay Child’s Support After the Adoption?
The birth father will not be required to pay any child’s support after the adoption. In addition, once the birth parents sign away their parental rights, they will not be required to support the child.
3. What Happens If the Identity of the Birth Father is Unknown?
Regarding adoption in Missouri, not knowing the identity of your child’s father won’t stop the adoption process. Adoption Choices of Missouri will try to locate the father if that’s what the mother wants. We’ll inform him of the adoption and let him know his rights. If Adoption Choices of Missouri cannot locate the father, the adoption will continue as planned.
4. Will the Process Be Affected if the Birth Father Doesn’t Agree with the Adoption?
Birth fathers have a couple of choices regarding adoption in Missouri. If the birth father doesn’t agree with the adoption, he would have to go to court and fight for custody. To possibly be granted custody, the birth father must prove he can support the child on his own. The birth father can also consent to the adoption and allow the adoption process. He may not understand how adoption can benefit the child. It can be helpful to communicate the benefits and your adoption plan to the birth father. It would also be helpful for him to reach out to an adoption counselor or specialist to get additional information.
5. How Can the Birth Father be Supportive in the Adoption Process?
There are many things a birth father can do to be supportive in the adoption process. A birth father can mainly be supportive by involving himself in the adoption process. A birth father can lend support to the birth mother. This may include: receiving guidance from adoption specialists and helping the birth mother with the decision-making. The adoption process is not easy. A birth father supporting a birth mother during the process will ease the stress.
6. Are There Support Groups in Missouri for Birth Fathers?
If a birth father is uneasy with the adoption process, it may help him connect with other birth fathers. Other birth fathers may know the adoption process and can support an expectant father. In a support group, a birth father can communicate all the fears and worries he may have. Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to help find support groups for expectant fathers.
7. Can Birth Fathers Be Included in the Child’s Birth?
A birth father being included in the adoption may result in him being included in the delivery. It would be supportive and beneficial to the birth mother if the birth father helped with the decision-making. For example, helping make a birth plan and discussing details of the hospital stay may be something the father does. However, if this is not something the mother wants, it may not happen.
8. Can the Adoption Process Happen Without the Birth Father?
The adoption process can most definitely happen without the birth father. The adoption process can continue if the birth father doesn’t fight for custody. Also, if the birth father is unknown or denies paternity, the adoption process can continue without him.
9. Does Adoption Choices of Missouri Provide Resources for Birth Father?
Like birth mothers, Adoption Choices of Missouri can provide the resources a birth father may need. The adoption process can be stressful for all birth parents alike. Feel free to reach out to an adoption counselor or specialist for support.
10. Can the Birth Father Have a Relationship with the Child After Adoption?
Regarding maintaining contact after adoption, birth parents must communicate with the adoptive family. If the birth parents decide on open adoption, then contact would be possible after adoption. With an open adoption birth, parents can share personal information with the child. This would be beneficial if the birth parents still want to have a relationship with their child placing them up for adoption.
The adoption process is never easy. Since birth mothers carry the children, they are often supported through adoption. Due to a variety of reasons, the birth father may not be thought of during the adoption process. Birth fathers matter too. They play an important role in the lives of the birth mother and the child. The birth father needs love and support during this process, just like the birth mother. What matters most is the child has a successful and loving life. Every decision you make will directly benefit your child. If you need help finding the resources, feel free to reach out to Adoption Choices of Missouri. We’re here to support you!
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