Legal Definitions - putative-father registry

A putative-father registry is an official government record where a man who believes he might be the biological father of a child, but is not married to the child's mother, can formally declare his potential paternity.

The main purpose of this registry is to ensure that if the child is later placed for adoption, the man who registered will receive official notice. This notification gives him the opportunity to assert his parental rights and potentially prevent the adoption or participate in the legal proceedings.

Here are some examples of how a putative-father registry might be used:

• Example 1: Mark and Sarah had a brief relationship, and Sarah later became pregnant. She decided to place the baby for adoption without informing Mark. If Mark suspects he might be the father, he could register with the putative-father registry in his state. This action would ensure that if an adoption agency or court initiates adoption proceedings for Sarah's child, Mark would be legally notified, allowing him to come forward and potentially seek custody or challenge the adoption.

• Example 2: David and Emily were in a committed relationship, but not married, when Emily became pregnant. They decided together that Emily would place the child for adoption. Even though David is aware of the adoption plan, he can still register with the putative-father registry. This provides a formal, legal record of his potential paternity, ensuring he receives all official notices and has the opportunity to participate in the adoption process, such as consenting to the adoption or understanding his rights and responsibilities.

• Example 3: A man named Carlos had a casual encounter with a woman he knew only by her first name. Months later, he hears through a mutual acquaintance that she gave birth and is considering placing the baby for adoption. Unsure if he is the father but wanting to protect any potential parental rights, Carlos could register with the putative-father registry. This proactive step would legally obligate the adoption agency or court to notify him if an adoption case for that child is opened, giving him the chance to request a paternity test and, if confirmed as the father, assert his rights.