Which Fathers Need to be Named as Defendants in an Adoption?
Any father whose consent and relinquishment is required must be named a defendant in an adoption proceeding if he does not consent and relinquish his rights.
If the child was conceived or born during the marriage of husband and wife whether or not the husband is the actual father, the husband's consent and relinquishment is required. If he does not sign a consent and relinquishment, he needs to be named a defendant in an adoption petition.
If the father maintained a relationship with the child and supported the child whether he was married to the mother or not, his consent and relinquishment is required. If he does not consent and relinquish, he needs to be named a defendant.
All other fathers do not need to consent and relinquish their rights and do not need to be named defendants.
