Frequently Asked Questions Among Birth Fathers in Nevada

Adoption affects the lives of many people in several different ways. It has a deep impact on the birth mother, who makes the difficult but loving decision to let go of her child to be with another family. It changes the lives of the adoptive family members who bring a new life into their home to love and nurture. It also provides the child with the opportunity to live his or her best life under the adoptive family’s care. While the impacts of adoption on the birth mother, adoptive family, and birth child are clear, it’s important to remember that adoption can also have significant impacts on the birth father. He may be just as emotionally invested in the adoption process as the birth mother and may have just as many questions along the way. At Adoption Choices of Nevada, we want to offer the birth father with as many opportunities to feel included and heard in the adoption process as possible. That’s why we compiled this list of frequently asked questions among birth fathers in Nevada.

Do I Need to Give Consent When Placing a Baby for Adoption?

One of the biggest questions that many birth fathers have is whether they need to give their consent to relinquish their parental rights to the adoptive family. If there is confirmation that a man is the birth father and if he is accessible, the answer is usually yes. A birth father is just as much a birth parent as the birth mother. That’s why it’s crucial that the birth mother notify the birth father of the pregnancy and her decision on how to proceed with it as soon as possible. Furthermore, in the state of Nevada, birth fathers who are not married to the birth mother can consent to relinquish their parental rights even before the baby is born.

What if I Disagree with the Birth Mother’s Decision to Give Up the Baby for Adoption?

Things can get complicated if the birth father wants to parent the baby while the birth mother wants to place the baby for adoption. Because both parents typically need to consent to the adoption, the birth father may be able to obtain custody rights over the child. However, because several factors go into determining whether the birth mother’s rights supersede the birth father’s rights, it’s important for both parents to seek legal advice and representation. At Adoption Choices of Nevada, our legal team can assist birth parents in getting the answers they seek to ensure that everyone’s best interests are accounted for. We can also help birth parents find and afford adequate legal representation.

Can Birth Fathers in  Nevada Still See the Child after Placement?

If the birth parents and adoptive family agree to an open or semi-open adoption, it is possible for the birth father to see and hear from the child after placement and even develop a relationship with him or her. Ultimately, the extent to which the birth father is included in this agreement depends on the unique factors of the situation. However, if he is part of an open adoption agreement, he can expect to receive the contact information of the child and adoptive family, and he will also share his information with them. In an open adoption, both birth parents can communicate with the child and adoptive family via phone, email, video, text, or even in person. This gives birth parents the opportunity to watch their child grow up and thrive.

In a semi-open adoption, there are still opportunities for the birth parents, child, and adoptive family to reconnect. Communication tends to be more limited and less frequent compared to open adoption, and the adoption agency usually mediates the logistics of such communications. Another key element of semi-open adoption is that the birth parents and adoptive family do not exchange personal information such as last names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails to protect their privacy.

How Can I Support the Birth Mother in Putting Up the Baby for Adoption?

There are so many ways a birth father can show his support for the birth mother throughout the adoption process. A birth father can make the process go more smoothly for her by helping her put together her adoption plan. From picking out the adoptive family and choosing which type of adoption to pursue to planning out all the details of the hospital stay, the birth father can provide valuable insights that can make all the difference in the adoption experience.

Birth fathers can also play a key role in a birth mother’s adoption support network. He can be a shoulder for her to cry on and a source of strength for her when the future seems uncertain. He can also be present when she gives birth and stay with her as she relinquishes her parental rights. A birth father can act as a constant in the birth mother’s life, which can bring her a sense of stability and help her move on.

How Can Birth Fathers Get Help in Nevada?

Birth fathers embark on their own adoption journey when they decide, along with the birth mother, to place their baby for adoption. Their choice is just as loving as the birth mother’s, and it’s important that birth fathers get the support they need along the way. To get answers to any other frequently asked questions among birth fathers in Nevada, reach out to Adoption Choices of Nevada today.

Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. You can also 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) | 775-738-4673 (Elko) | 775-884-4673 (Carson City).

Meet the Author: Mary DeStefano is an Ohio native currently living in northern Virginia and works in the litigation consulting industry where she has experience in antitrust, product liability, and mass torts matters. She holds a B.A. in Economics (‘15) and an M.A. in Applied Economics (‘16) from the University of Cincinnati. 

Mary is passionate about empowering and supporting those involved in the adoption and surrogacy processes. She finds great meaning in wielding the written word to develop impactful narratives and to help people stay informed. In her spare time, Mary can be found beachcombing and going on other adventures with her dog along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. She also has an affinity for antiquing and loves a good 80’s movie marathon.