Is the father's consent required for adoption after acknowledging paternity?

Full question:

The father of the child (that we wish to adopt) acknowledged his paternity recently. Wouldn’t it be enough if we file for adoption with just the mother’s consent or do we need to get the father’s consent also in the case? Please tell me what the Arkansas law is in this regard.

  • Category: Adoption
  • Date:
  • State: Arkansas

Answer:

Yes, you need the father's consent because he has acknowledged paternity. In Arkansas, it doesn't matter when he acknowledged it; his consent is required for adoption purposes. According to A.C.A. § 9-9-206, a petition to adopt a minor can only be granted if written consent is obtained from both the mother and the father, provided the father has acknowledged paternity under A.C.A. § 9-10-120(a).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Many states have putative father registries, including Arkansas, California, Florida, and New York. These registries allow unmarried fathers to establish their paternity and assert their rights regarding their children. Each state has its own rules about how to register and the implications of being listed. It's important to check the specific laws in your state to understand the process and requirements. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*