If you’re a birth father in Pennsylvania, you might wonder what rights you have in an adoption case. State law gives you the ability to consent, revoke that consent, and receive notice of court proceedings. But those rights depend on taking action within specific timeframes.
Consent and revocation deadlines
As a birth father, you can consent to an adoption. Once signed, that consent becomes permanent 30 days after the child’s birth or 30 days after you sign—whichever happens later. During those 30 days, you can change your mind and revoke your consent. To do that, you must send a written notice to the adoption agency, the attorney, or the Orphans’ Court.
Notification of court hearings
Pennsylvania law requires the court to notify you of any hearings involving adoption or the termination of your parental rights. If you’re the legal or putative father, you must receive notice before the court can proceed. If you don’t get proper notice, the court can’t legally end your rights.
Protecting your rights through registration
If you’re not married to the child’s mother, you can still protect your rights by registering with Pennsylvania’s Putative Father Registry. This ensures you’ll be notified about the adoption process and have a chance to object or assert your rights. Without registration, you may lose the opportunity to be involved.
What happens in contested adoptions
If you receive notice, you have the right to attend hearings and object to the adoption. But courts also look at whether you’ve acted like a parent. If you haven’t provided support or stayed in contact with the child, the court might decide to move forward without your input. Showing a consistent effort to be involved can strengthen your case.
If you want to stay involved in your child’s life, act early. Register in the Putative Father Registry, respond to notices, and demonstrate your commitment through support and contact. These actions help protect your rights and keep you informed throughout the adoption process.