father's right

[ratiskan]

Can anyone tell me why custody would NOT be automatically granted to the natural father if the mother chooses adoption? This is of course with the assumption that the father is a fit, working parent and capable of assuming the responsibility of raising a child. Are there guidlines anywhere?

 

[LegalBeagle]

Can anyone tell me why custody would NOT be automatically granted to the natural father if the mother chooses adoption? This is of course with the assumption that the father is a fit, working parent and capable of assuming the responsibility of raising a child. Are there guidlines anywhere?

Adoption can not occur without the fathers consent. If the mother does not want the child then she should give custody to the father, or he should petition for custody.

 

[dorenephilpot]

In Indiana, we're harsh. Adoption CAN occur without the father's consent or knowledge.

We have a putative father registry for fathers who are not married to the mothers of children. If the father doesn't establish paternity and doesn't register within the statutory time periods and he wasn't married to the mother, he can have the child adopted right out from under him, believe it or not.

This can work to screw a father who was not told of a child's existence until after the deadlines have passed -- and you know what? That doesn't matter to the court, who says the children's interests in being placed in a permanent home are paramount.