Birth Fathers: Adoption With or Without Parental Consent in KS

Can You Still Choose Adoption without the Father in Kansas?

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, many women find themselves in situations where they’re forced to ask:

• Do I have to tell the prospective birth father?
• I want to choose adoption for my baby, but the father and his family don’t; what can I do?
• Does the birth father have to agree to adoption?
• Is giving a baby up for adoption in Kansas without the father’s consent even possible?

For some, these unknowns can be even scarier than the unplanned pregnancy itself. But if you’re asking these questions, please know that you’re not alone.

Whether you’re considering adoption with an unsupportive, unknown or uninvolved prospective birth father, we know that you have plenty of questions about birth father rights in adoption in Kansas. This situation is more common than you think, and countless women have been in your shoes.

On the other hand, if you’re considering an adoption with a supportive birth father, just know that he can be involved as much — or as little — as he may want.

The first thing you should know is that prospective birth father rights are complex. Because every adoption is handled on a case-by-case basis, this article should not be taken as legal advice. The only way to know how birth father adoption laws in Kansas will affect your adoption is by speaking with an adoption professional or attorney.

While you wait to speak with a professional, here is some helpful information about common prospective birth father scenarios:

If You’re Putting a Child Up for Adoption when You’re Married to Him

“Giving your baby up for adoption” as a married couple or with a supportive prospective birth father is the best-case scenario for a woman considering an adoption plan. The value of a supportive birth father cannot be understated and will make your life so much easier.

If the prospective birth father has your back, then you’ll be able to make an adoption plan with confidence. When both of you are on the same team, an adoption professional can take both of your desires into account to create a plan that everyone is on board with. Together, you’ll be in charge of planning the perfect future for your baby. This includes finding the perfect family in Kansas, deciding on the right amount of post-placement contact, creating a hospital plan and more.

Remember that the two of you are in this together, so don’t be afraid to lean on one another during this difficult time. Even though there are two of you, adoption can still be an emotionally strenuous decision — so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

An adoption professional can also provide more information if you have any other questions about your options while married and considering adoption or regarding a supportive birth father.

If You’re Considering Adoption without Knowing Who the Father is

An unknown father adoption is not a rare situation. If you’re in this scenario, you’re probably wondering, “Do you need the father’s consent for adoption in Kansas?”

As always, each adoption is handled on a case-by case basis. Even if you don’t know where the baby’s father is, Kansas has its own laws regarding unknown birth father rights, so you’ll need to speak to an attorney before your adoption with an unknown father can proceed.

You may also want to talk to a Kansas adoption agency. They’ll be able to give you plenty of information and explain your options for moving forward in these circumstances. Remember, even if you contact an agency, you’re under no obligation to choose adoption and you can change your mind at any time.

If You’re Considering Adoption without Consent and the Birth Father is Out of the Picture

If the prospective birth father has a habit of coming in and out of your life, you’re probably asking, “Can you give a baby up for adoption if the father isn’t around?” This is a difficult spot to be in, and it’s normal to be worried about how the father’s behavior will affect your plans for an adoption.

If you’re sure that adoption is right for you, an adoption attorney will assess your specific situation. From there, they may speak to with the prospective birth father about his rights. If they’re able to, they may attempt to continue the adoption without his consent.

If the Birth Father is Unsure About Adoption

Not everyone is sure about adoption when they first hear about it. If your birth father is like most people who grew up hearing outdated views about adoption, he might mistakenly believe that choosing this path is synonymous with “giving away” their child. For many birth fathers, it can be scary to find out that their partner is considering adoption for their baby, and it can be overwhelming to come to terms with her decision.

If the prospective birth father is on the fence about adoption, or if they want to learn more about the process, an adoption professional can help. They can provide all the information he needs to better understand this unplanned pregnancy option. If the father has any questions about birth father adoption laws in Kansas in his unique situation, always direct him to an attorney or adoption professional for the most accurate guidance.

If the Birth Father is Unsupportive

You might be facing a situation where the baby’s father is unsupportive of your decision to adopt. This can make your situation understandably tense and uncomfortable.

If an unsupportive birth father knows about your pregnancy, you must be truthful about the situation with your adoption professional, according to the laws on a father’s rights in a Kansas adoption.

If you decide not to talk to the prospective birth father, you can direct his calls to your adoption professional or attorney. Depending on the situation, the adoption can potentially proceed without his consent.

What’s Next?

Always remember that an adoption professional can help if you have any questions. Because Kansas adoption birth father rights can have a big effect on your adoption experience, it’s a good idea to speak with a professional as soon as possible. Here are a few Kansas adoption attorneys that can provide more information:

• Kevin Kenney
• Michael Belfonte, P.C.
• Krigel & Krigel, P.C.

If you’re ready to start the adoption process, or if you’re looking for more information on birth parent rights, please fill out our free information form to get in touch with a professional today.