Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

Forced Adoption

I am a 30 year old divorcee and I got pregnant in February. Right now I am 6 months pregnant and the father of the baby wants me to put the baby up for adoption. I spoke to an adoption attorney, but decided I wanted to keep my baby. However, this makes the father mad. He is now saying that he wants to go to court to force me to put the baby up for adoption. Can he do this? I have not ever had problems with my two children now.


Asked on 7/13/02, 6:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

A. Olusanjo Omoniyi Omoniyi Law Firm, P. C.

Re: Forced Adoption

A forced adoption, also known as involuntary adoption, by one of the parents is rarely granted. In fact, he(the father in this case)has to present clear and convincing evidence that you are unfit to have the care and custody of your baby before he can succeed in an involuntary adoption. Your parental rights are constitutionally protected liberty interest and any involuntary adoption usually results in protracted and contested adoption. While the father of your child reserves the right to go to court, he needs to realize that neither you or him, or even the child will experience a smooth contested adoption. Even, the adopting families in most cases tend to avoid contested adoption because of emotional, time and monetary expenses such matters tend to bring including unwanted publicity. Discuss all the options with the father and the two of you should examine all options before you get into legal dispute. Good luck.

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Answered on 7/15/02, 12:38 am


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