4 Things People Get Wrong About Birth Fathers in Texas

By Katy Reagan

An unexpected pregnancy puts emotional stress on a relationship. Sometimes two people want the same thing for their child and other times, there is disagreement. Either way, Adoption Choices of Texas can help you sort through your options. There is a lot of misunderstanding about the role of birth fathers in the adoption process. Local adoption agencies work with you to find legal resources for the adoption process to continue. We are here to support you with whatever resources we can and answer any questions.

If you need help with adoption now, you can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here.

What Exactly is a Birth Father?

A birth father is the biological father of your baby. There are two types of birth fathers: known and unknown. A known birth father may be someone you’re still in contact with or not. Whatever the case, their consent may be required for the adoption to be finalized. 

How involved birth fathers are in the adoption process can vary. If you are married or in a relationship, you may want to have a lot of input into where your child is placed. If you have cut ties, they may prefer to let you make all the decisions. 

An unknown father means simply that you do not know who the father of the child is. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and the adoption can still go forward. 

4 Common Misconceptions about Birth Fathers in Texas

1. Local adoption agencies don’t work to find unknown birth fathers.

It isn’t uncommon for unknown birth fathers to be unaware of adoptions. This is a sad reality, but Adoption Choices of Texas still works to find them. Any information you know is used to try to locate and inform them. This is a duty that we take very seriously. We know they have a right to know morally and legally. They may have concerns about putting my child up for adoption, or they may be content without being involved. We have in-house counsel to navigate either way.

2. Adoption can’t continue if the birth father is unsupportive in Texas.

In Texas, a birth father is not considered a legal parent if he and the birth mother are not married during her pregnancy. Therefore, if you are not married to the father, you can still legally pursue adoption service without his consent.

3. Birth fathers don’t have rights in a Texas adoption.

Birth fathers still have rights even if they are not married to the birth mother. She can choose adoption without his consent, but he has the right to contest the adoption. To do this, he will have to prove paternity.

Some birth fathers choose to become actively involved in the adoption. Together with the birth mother, they can make decisions about their child’s future. An important decision is the level of contact they want to have with their child. 

There are three types of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed. Open adoption has full communication between birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child. Semi-open adoption has limited communication through Texas adoption agencies. Closed adoption has zero communication, and no identifying information is shared. 

Through open and semi-open adoption, birth fathers can maintain contact with their children. Even if they aren’t ready to be a father, they can still play an important role in their child’s life.

4. Birth fathers don’t care about their children.

Birth fathers and mothers can have guilt about “giving up my baby.” The truth is people choose adoption out of love for their child. They are not giving anything up but rather making a selfless choice. Many birth fathers want to give their child the best chance at life, just like you do. Their love for the child can influence them in many ways. Some birth fathers may wish not to be involved to avoid hurt or guilt. Others may want to have input in the adoption plan or be active in their child’s life after adoption. Everyone navigates this process differently. That doesn’t mean they don’t care.

Starting the Adoption Process With or Without Birth Father’s Support

No matter the status of the birth father, you can pursue adoption. Adoption Choices of Texas is here to support you in whatever way we can. We can connect you with legal resources if consent is an issue. Or you can begin counseling if your relationship with the father is strained. If you don’t speak English, we can still help you dar a mi bebe en adopcion. Our websites are available in Spanish. 

If you are a birth mother seeking information about adoption in San Antonio, TX, or adoption in Texas, contact us today.