Many unmarried fathers in Texas and across the country are denied their rights as fathers, and many feel like they are battling laws that are against them. While laws vary from state to state, when child custody laws, unwed parents and adoptions form part of one issue, the help of a skilled family law attorney may be invaluable. One father in another state recently explained the battle he has been fighting for six years.
The 33-year-old man said his girlfriend — with whom he was living at the time — informed him of her pregnancy in Sept. 2009. He claims they planned to raise the child together, and he supported her financially and with physical tasks even after they ended their relationship some months later. They remained in contact when he was shipped out to the Middle East for a tour of military duty at the beginning of 2010, but by May 2010, she had disappeared without a word.
After six weeks with no contact, the woman allegedly arrived at his home to inform him that the baby had passed away. He was devastated, and it was only in July 2011 that he learned the truth. His baby was alive and given up for adoption at birth. The child was living with her adoptive parents in another state. This man is desperate to continue the fight for custody or visitation rights, but he has no idea where and with whom she is living, nor does he know what she looks like or her name.
When a man in Texas learns that he might have fathered an unborn child, it may be wise to be proactive and consult with an experienced family law attorney. A lawyer can explain the father’s rights under state laws. An attorney can also explain the process to register with the putative father registry as well as the procedures necessary for DNA testing to prove paternity. If all possible steps are taken timely, a father may prevent his child being given up for adoption without his knowledge.
Source: washingtoninformer.com, “Unwed Dads Fight for Fathers’ Rights”, Grant Clark, May 16, 2016
