If the biological father is unknown, how can parental rights be terminated when a step-father wants to adopt the child?

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Question

If the biological father is unknown, how can parental rights be terminated when a step-father wants to adopt the child?

Anonymous Apr 14, 2014 Business 9 views 4 answers

Child was born of a one-night stand. Whereabouts and identity of biological father are unknown. (It's believed he is a resident of California). The bio father never knew of pregnancy, and has had no contact whatsoever since night of conception of child. Bio mother has no contact info or last name. Stepfather has been in child's life since child was age 2. (Child is now 4) How can stepfather adopt when biological father's rights cannot be terminated due to lack of information regarding his identity?

Michael Ross MillerProbate AttorneyBelton, TX · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T11:08:55+00:00

If a father does not register with the state paternity registry (talk to your attorney) and has not otherwise been involved in the child's life, then his rights can be terminated rather easily; Texas Family Code Section 160.404. Get yourself a good adoption lawyer and go for it! Adoption is a wonderful thing.

Allison Hamilton · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T11:08:55+00:00

The court will appoint an ad litem attorney to represent the missing biological father. The mom and adopting father will be responsible for the cost of that attorney. What a wonderful thing the stepfather is doing!

Maria Lowry · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T11:08:55+00:00

Maria Lowry

Maria Lowry · Jun 15, 2026

You need a lawyer. In addition, the court will appoint an ad Litem for the unknown father and an ad Litem for the child.

0 upvotes

Dorothea Laster · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T11:08:55+00:00

That is false that parental rights cannot be terminated if you don't know the fathers identity. It is done regularly. The father is served by publication. An attorney ad litem is appointed to make sure the service by publication is proper. Hire an attorney.

If the biological father is unknown, how can parental rights be terminated when a step-father wants to adopt the child?

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