WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Hotline

Custody & Kidnapping

Can my boyfriend adopt my child? Father is not on birth cert.

Thank you for reaching out to us. Unfortunately, we do not have any information on our website about adoption however I hope that I can still provide some helpful general information and referrals.

Generally, states have guidelines on adoptions that must be met for someone to petition to adopt. Many states allow a second person who is not married to the biological parent to adopt, such as with gay and lesbian couples, and may also permit step-parent adoptions when the second parent is married to the biological parent. I do not know how STATE views this type of second parent adoption and whether or not it can be done by someone who is not married to the biological parent. Have you tried to consult with an attorney who specializes in adoptions. This may be the best way to get answers specific to your situation. In general, with adoptions, a known parent will be notified of the attempt to terminate that parent’s parental rights through the adoption and have a right to consent or to fight against it. I do not know what the procedure would be in a case such as yours where no father is named on the birth certificate but the father of the child is known to you. Again, this is something to ask an attorney who specializes in adoptions. Here is a link for lawyers in STATE:LINK

© 2008–2024 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.