[tobeafamily]

Catinhat,

Unfortunately, publication and termination of 'any unknown birthfather' proceedings are not going to be sufficient for your case. That applies only where the biological father is unknown/not identified. In your case, the child's birthfather is identified, aware of the pregnancy and contests.

Once the child is born, he can go to court and assert his parental rights. If he is not married to the biological mother, he is considered a putative father. His rights do vary depending on what state the child is born in.

Generally, when a putative father contests and asserts his parental rights, the biological mother, court, or paparents can first challenge his paternity. A DNA test will be done. If the results prove that he is the biological father, then the case proceeds as a custody dispute.

Understand there is no guarantee that this man's parental rights will be terminated. These situations are called 'at risk' placements for a reason - there is a definite risk that the placement will not be permitted by the courts and the child be placed with their biological parents.

If you choose to go forward, you might consider placing the child in temporary private foster care until the dispute is resolved.

HTH best of luck.

Regina