Legal Definitions - birth father

A birth father refers to the biological father of a child. This term specifically highlights the genetic connection, distinguishing him from an adoptive father (who legally assumes parental rights and responsibilities) or a stepfather (who is married to the child's mother but is not the biological parent).

• Example 1: Adoption Records

  After turning 18, Sarah decided to access her adoption records to learn more about her origins. While she considers the man who raised her to be her father, the records contain information about her birth father, the individual who contributed genetic material to her conception.

  This example illustrates the term by showing how the biological parent is referred to as the birth father, even when another individual holds the legal and social role of father through adoption.

• Example 2: Paternity Establishment

  Maria filed a legal petition to establish paternity for her son, seeking child support from a man she identified as the father. The court ordered DNA testing to confirm if he was indeed the child's birth father.

  Here, the term clarifies that the legal process aims to identify the biological parent, who, if confirmed, would be recognized as the birth father and potentially assigned parental responsibilities.

• Example 3: Medical History Inquiry

  David was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition and needed to understand his family's medical history to assess risks for his own children. He contacted an adoption agency to see if they could provide non-identifying health information about his birth father.

  This scenario demonstrates the term's use when seeking information about one's biological lineage for health-related reasons, emphasizing the genetic link provided by the birth father.