Every adoption situation in Missouri is different, especially when it comes to the birth father. Does the father have to give consent for adoption in Missouri? The answer to that depends on the situation of both the birth mother and the birth father. A MO adoption without parental consent may be a possibility depending on Missouri state laws regarding birth father rights. Rights of the biological father in adoption vary also depending on his situation. The following article outlines general information regarding birth father adoption laws in Missouri and what to do if a mother wants to give baby up for adoption but father does not. None of the following is considered to be legal advice, and it is highly recommended that all prospective birth mothers consult with an adoption attorney.

Common Questions About Birth Father Adoption Laws in Missouri

There are so many questions that will run through the mind of a woman who is facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption. Some of these questions include:

• How to adopt a child without father’s consent?
• Does the father have to give consent for adoption in Missouri?
• In Missouri, is adoption possible without knowing who the father is?
• Can a mother put a baby up for adoption without the father knowing in MO?

All of these questions are normal to have, and the best answer when it comes to legal advice will always be: speak with an adoption attorney. If a prospective birth mother does not have an adoption attorney, she can reach out to local or national adoption agencies. An adoption professional will be able to connect her with an adoption attorney who can answer specific questions regarding birth father rights in adoption in Missouri.

How Your Relationship Affects Your Adoption Plan

The rights and the role that a birth father will take on in a potential adoption situation will depend in part on his relationship with the birth mother. For example, Missouri adoption law states that a man will be assumed the natural father of the child if he is married to the mother, or if their divorce occurred within 300 days of the child’s birth.

There are other factors as well that influence birth father rights in adoption in Missouri. Due to the delicate nature of the relationship a birth mother may have with a birth father, it is crucial that she consult with an adoption attorney sooner rather than later if she is considering adoption.

Do You Need the Father’s Consent for Adoption in Missouri?

Unfortunately, there are potential adoption situations in which the birth father is uninvolved, unsupportive or unknown. If a potential birth mother finds herself in one of these types of relationships with the birth father, it is crucial that she contact an adoption attorney right away. A local or national adoption agency will typically have an adoption attorney they use whom they can provide to answer questions regarding the legalities of Missouri birth father adoption law.

Understanding Birth Father Rights in Missouri Adoptions

Any woman facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption will need to find an adoption professional to guide her through the adoption process. The adoption professional in Missouri, or who services Missouri if a national agency, will be familiar with state birth father adoption laws specific to adoption in Missouri. Please be aware that sometimes a birth mother is required by law to inform the birth father of the pregnancy and the adoption plan. That is why it is recommended that potential birth mothers seek out an adoption professional early on. An adoption professional will also be able to guide a prospective birth mother in how to discuss the adoption plan with the birth father.

Remember, this article does not serve as legal advice. Please be encouraged as a potential birth mother that speaking with an adoption professional and adoption attorney will aid you in making wise decisions throughout the adoption planning phase and the process itself. Birth father rights in adoption are real and depend upon the relationship he has with the birth mother. If you find yourself in a situation considering adoption, please fill out the contact form so that someone can reach out to you and answer any questions you may have.