What Rights Does A Birthfather Have?
What Rights Does A Birthfather Have?
In Virginia, fathers and mothers have the same legal rights, and a birthfather has the same rights as a birthmother. However, these rights can greatly diminish if the birthfather has not played an active role in the child’s life.
Virginia Adoption Law provides that if the birthfather has not visited or contacted the child within the six months immediately prior to the filing of the Adoption Petition, he has abandoned the child, and his consent to the adoption is not required. He does, however, still have to receive notice of the adoption.
About the Author: The Irving Law Firm - John Irving
John Irving brings a working knowledge of all aspects of the legal process to any case or client with his extensive and eclectic legal background. In 1997, John received his undergraduate bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Shortly after graduation he began work as a fraud investigator for the City of New York. John handled thousands of cases involving welfare and housing fraud. Following this position, he was recruited to and employed by the Prince William County Police Department where he exhibited his superior abilities and received several commendations and awards.
