IS THE BIRTH FATHER’S CONSENT REQUIRED IN NY OR NJ?

Women considering adoption have varying relationships with their baby’s birth father. While it’s always best to have family, friends and a supportive birth father to lean on during your adoption process, that’s not always the case. The birth father may be unknown, uninterested or unsupportive of your adoption decision, or he may present a physical danger to you, prompting you to wonder, “Can I give my baby up for adoption without the father’s consent in New York or New Jersey?”

It may surprise some people to learn that, depending on your circumstances, the participation of your baby’s birth father may not be required by law. Because every situation is different, and the laws regarding the need for the birth father to consent are complex, and vary from state to state, it is a good idea for you to speak with an experienced adoption professional to understand what legal options are available to you.

An adoption without the parental consent of a birth father can sometimes be complicated.  That’s why it’s important for you to obtain legal counsel early in the adoption process. As always, you are under no obligation to choose adoption if you contact us, but we can always talk to you about your options. We know how confusing the adoption process can be, which is why we believe it’s our job to provide our clients with the legal guidance they need to make a safe and secure plan for their child.

To learn more about New York or New Jersey law as it relates to a birth father’s consent in an adoption, please call our offices at 914-779-1050, email us at info@adoptionlawny.com or contact us online.