How does the judicial system verify the intention of a biological parent to give up their child?

In order for a parent to relinquish their child for adoption, there must be evidence that the parents desire to permanently terminate the biological bond. This evidence is typically obtained through legal consent. In alternative scenarios, the court must receive evidence demonstrating that the parent has mistreated, abandoned, neglected, or otherwise failed to uphold their parental rights according to the laws of Florida.

There are specific circumstances that apply when an unmarried biological father is involved. To commence an adoption plan, he must register his paternity with Florida’s Putative Father Registry. Failure to do so will exempt the court from requiring his consent.

For an unmarried biological father, he must register his paternity prior to the submission of a petition to terminate his rights or within a 30-day period after he receives a Notice of Intended Adoption Plan.