30-Day Adoption Notice

Kerry's picture

I read something very disturbing... something that seems to reflect the rush to fulfil modern-day adoption targets/quotas established by many child placement agencies, and I just wanted to get the opinion of others who might read this notice differently than I do.

If the unnamed putative father wishes to contact the adoption of the child, the unnamed putative father must file a motion to contest the adoption in accordance with IC § 31-19-10-1 in the above-named court or a paternity action under IC § 31-14 within thirty (30) days after service of this notice. This notice may be served by publication.

If the unnamed putative father does not file a motion to contest the adoption or a paternity action under IC § 31-14 within thirty (30) days after service of this notice; or after filing a paternity action under IC § 31-14 fails to establish paternity within a reasonable period as determined by the paternity court under IC § 31-14-21-9 through IC § 31-14-21-11, the above named court shall hear and determine the petition for adoption. The unnamed putative father loses the right to contest the adoption or the validity of the unnamed father’s implied consent to the adoption. The unnamed putative father loses the right to establish paternity of the child under IC § 31-14.  [From:  "Notice to father of Gabriel Patrick Scott Neace", The Washington Times, Sept 30, 2008, http://www.washtimesherald.com/legalnotices/local_story_274152810.html]

I don't know any of the details/circumstances behind the petition for this particular adoption, but is 30 days really long enough to find an unnamed man so he can decide if he wants to relinquish parental rights or not -- a relinquishment that lasts a life-time?