[mellosS]

I just wanted to take a second to thank all of the members. I have had many conversations with you, and you have really helped me out. We passed our homestudy on Friday night, and I know I couldn't have done it without you guys. I am truly grateful for all of your advice and information. It's great to know that I not only have support from family, but that I can get unbiased opinions from you all as well.
I am anticipating trouble in the future with our bfather terminating his rights. He has 2 warrants out for his arrest and 1 is for domestic battery against the bmom. Will this make it so a court can force him to relinquish? We have to be really careful that he doesn't find bmom, but he won't contact our lawyer because of all of his warrants. Has anyone had to go through a John Doe termination? Our lawyer says this would be our next option if he's not willing to contact the lawyer.
I guess I'm just a bit worried that he may be able to somehow get custody of the baby. Any info. or even an opinion would be great.

[tobeafamily]

I'm guessing he and pbmom are not married. If so, he's considered a putative father and in most states his rights are very clearly outlined.

I suspect your attorney will do the following:

1. Send notificaiton of intent to adopt and request for termination of parental rights to this pbfather's last known address via certified means.

2. Pbfather can then either a) assert parental rights - which would require a court visit (where the court would consider his ability to parent, etc.), b) terminate rights/deny paternity, or c) ignore/not receive the documents.

3. If c) happens, then usually there's a notice of publication and check of paternity registry - 'any unknown bioligical father' process. If no response to publication and no registry, then the court summarily severs all rights within a certain time frame, usually 30-45 days after petition is filed. Petition cannot be filed BTW until child is born.

Note that no one can *force* him to voluntarily terminate his rights. His rights can, however, be involuntarily terminated based on either his nonresponse or court-determined inability to meet the minimum standards for care of a child in your state (safe, stable home, ability to support financially, etc.)

HTH,

Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas