Legal Question in Family Law in Arkansas

Adoption - Father's whereabouts unknown

My husband and I have legal custody of our great niece and have had so since she was 8 weeks old. She is now 2 years old. Her biological mother has consented to letting us adopt the child, but we do not have any idea as to the location of the child's biological father. He has not seen the child since June 2001 and has never paid support or made any type of contact with us since June 2001. What type of notification procedures will we have to go through to continue the adoption process? Is it necessary to go through an attorney or could the paperwork be handled ourselves? Thank you for any help you can provide.


Asked on 3/07/03, 4:57 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Herb Southern The Southern Law Firm

Re: Adoption - Father's whereabouts unknown

You will have to use "best efforts" to find and notify the dad. There are specific rules that must be followed. This is not a matter which you should attempt alone without an Attorney. To screw it up means that it will eventually be held invalid and you will have to do it all over again.

I suggest that you hire an Attorney to do it right the first time.

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Answered on 3/08/03, 1:56 pm
Richard Orintas Orintas Law Firm

Re: Adoption - Father's whereabouts unknown

Adoption is a complicated process and the use of an Attorney is essential to do it right. It may be that some notification and consent forms will be necessary. If I can help, and you do not have an attorney at present, please call or email me....

Orintas Law Firm

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Answered on 3/07/03, 6:20 pm


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