By Charley Lustig

When a woman becomes a birth mother, everyone knows. She embodies change as her belly swells, her breasts enlarge, her emotions intensify, and much more. You may not need to tell anyone of your current state because it seems clear as day. 

Even with an unplanned pregnancy, the DNA inside you is still fifty percent someone else’s- the birth father. When a man becomes a father, especially if there’s a complicated relationship with the birth mother, it may be unknown. The birth father himself will not know about his new status until it is revealed to him by the birth mother. 

Unfortunately, this allows many birth fathers to feel or be left out of the adoption process. This does not have to be the case, though. Regardless of your relationship status with the birth father, they can be involved in the process as much as you both want! 

At Adoption Choices of Nevada, we offer more than pregnancy adoption help. We can guide you through both birth parent roles and responsibilities. With Father’s Day this month, let’s take some time to walk through the birth father’s position in adoption in Nevada. 

Is the Birth Father’s Consent Required to Place Your Baby Up for Adoption? 

According to the State Laws of Nevada, the birth father’s consent is required to proceed with the adoption. This mainly consists of the birth father completing paperwork after the baby’s birth that will give up his parental rights. By doing so, the adoptive family will have the ability to take full custody of the baby.

Through our years of experience with adoption in Nevada, we know that every situation is different. Therefore, we understand that there may be circumstances where you may not know who the birth father is. You may even be in a position where the birth father is unwilling to consent to the adoption process. 

At Adoption Choices of Nevada, we are prepared for every case and can provide independent legal representation if need be. There are circumstances where the birth father’s consent may not be required. Be sure to discuss all details with your professional birth parent counselor. From there, they will help you decide on a course of action based on you and your needs. 

How Much Can Birth Fathers Be Involved in the Adoption Process?

The birth father of your child is more than welcome to be included throughout the duration of the adoption process. How much he is involved is dependent on what you both communicate with each other. It is important that you both feel supported and are guided on giving your baby up for adoption.

What are Possible Birth Father Roles and Responsibilities in Placing a Baby for Adoption?

Adoption can seem like a daunting task, and you may not want to do it solo. With your consent, the birth father can be with you through every step. Overall, he can be a much-needed pillar of support. Having the birth father be a part of the process can lighten your load and help you come to the right decisions. Here are some ways the birth father can join you through this journey. 

• Attend Meetings with Adoption Counselor 
• Collaborate on an Adoption Plan
• Pick an Adoptive Family with You
• Be Present at the Hospital
• Take Part in Support Groups 

Allowing the birth father to have a large role in giving up a child for adoption can bring peace. Although you aren’t alone, it can be more reassuring to have a familiar face making the same sacrifice as you. Having each other support the other through any hardship associated with adoption can make a tremendous impact.

Does Adoption Choices of Nevada Provide Resources for Birth Fathers?

Unfortunately, birth fathers are often overlooked despite going through similar hardships of adoption. They, too, experience loss and grief in addition to other emotions such as failure and guilt. Instead of receiving their deserved recognition, the term “birth father” often is clouded with negative connotations.  

We at Adoption Choices of Nevada want to bring a positive change to birth fathers. They can play a prominent role in the adoption process. We want them to feel acknowledged for their sacrifice and support given to birth mothers. For that reason, we offer resources not only to birth mothers but to birth fathers as well. 

In part of creating an adoption plan, you and the birth father will discuss post-placement communication with your child. This can be a great way to help lessen the burden of any emotional turmoil you both experience. If not ready for all parental responsibilities, both birth parents can create a comfortable relationship with their child post-placement.

Our professionals stationed throughout our local agencies are there to support both birth parents. In other words, there is no bias towards one parent or the other. The birth father is more than welcome to attend counseling or any support groups. His well-being is just as valued as the birth mother and child. 

There is no fee or obligation to reach out to Adoption Choices of Nevada. If you are a birth father in need of support or are a concerned birth mother considering Reno adoption, contact us! 

Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. You can call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: 855-940-4673 (Toll-Free) | 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas) | 775-825-4673 (Reno)