Navigating an unplanned pregnancy while single can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering adoption, it’s natural to have questions and concerns, especially about the baby’s father. You might be wondering, “What if he tries to interfere?” or “Can he legally stop me from choosing adoption, even if he hasn’t been involved?”
At Tate Healey Webster, we’ve walked alongside countless women who have faced these exact challenges. Their strength is an inspiration. As one courageous mother shared with us after her child’s adoption was finalized, “You saved my life by terminating the rights of an abusive birth father who abandoned me during my pregnancy but tried to stop me when I made the difficult choice to pursue adoption.” Today, she is safe, her child is loved, and her brave decision was fully supported.
What Florida Law Says About Unmarried Fathers
Florida law provides clear guidance for unmarried fathers who wish to protect their parental rights. To do so, an unmarried father must demonstrate a commitment to parenting by taking specific, legally recognized actions. Generally, this includes:
- Registering with the Florida Putative Father Registry: This is a crucial, legally mandated step to preserve his rights.
- Providing consistent emotional and financial support to the mother during her pregnancy.
- Demonstrating a full and continuing commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities as a parent.
If he does not meet these requirements, a Florida court may determine that his rights can be terminated, allowing the adoption to proceed without his consent.
When a Father Has Been Absent or Is Trying to Interfere
Many women feel scared and uncertain when the father has been absent, abusive, or uninvolved throughout the pregnancy, only to suddenly reappear and try to interfere with the adoption plan.
The good news is that Florida courts prioritize actions over mere claims of paternity. Biology alone does not grant an absent father a legal right to stop an adoption.
In a recent case handled by our team, a birth mother feared the biological father would interfere despite his lack of involvement or support during her pregnancy. The court recognized his lack of commitment, terminated his rights, and the adoption moved forward. She later shared, “I’m so happy. I couldn’t be more grateful to your entire team.”
Our Role: Protecting Your Adoption Plan
At Tate Healey Webster, we specialize exclusively in adoption and assisted reproduction law. With five board-certified adoption attorneys, our firm is the largest of its kind in Florida. We have the expertise to handle even the most complex and contested cases.
You Have the Right to Choose
You are not alone in this journey. If you are a pregnant woman in Florida and are concerned that the baby’s father may try to interfere with your adoption plan even though he has abandoned you and your unborn child, remember that you have legal rights. Whether he has been absent, abusive, or is now trying to control your decision, there is legal support available to protect your choice.
Your plan. Your child. Your future.
We are ready to stand beside you and ensure your decision is honored. Contact one of our offices in Tampa, Orlando, Naples, Merritt Island, or Boca Raton for a confidential conversation with a dedicated Florida adoption attorney.
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