Legal Question in Family Law in South Carolina

Paternal rights to contest adoption

I am wondering what my rights are in regards to my daughter. Her mother and I were never married. At her birth, the mother decided to put her up for adoption. I would like to have custody of my daughter. However, the paperwork for adoption has already begun. I do intend to contest the adoption and am wondering what my rights are. My daughter is living with her tentative adoptive parents who are actually relatives of her mother.


Asked on 2/26/07, 6:34 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Ben Stevens The Stevens Firm, P.A. Family Law Center

Re: Paternal rights to contest adoption

If you do plan to contest the adoption and assert your rights to your daughter, you should do so ASAP. Time is working against you, and you need to act immediately.

If you need more information, you can visit my family law blog (www.SCFamilyLaw.com) or our website (www.StevensFirm.com). I wish you the best of luck.

Ben Stevens

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Answered on 2/28/07, 9:26 pm
Jason Stern Law Offices of Jason Stern

Re: Paternal rights to contest adoption

Assuming your daughter and the adoptive family are in SC, you should contact the South Carolina Bar Association and ask if they have a referral service. You need to specify that you need an experienced family law attorney.

This is a complicated matter and you would be well-served by consulting with an experienced professional in the area where the matter is pending.

Good luck!

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Answered on 2/26/07, 7:00 pm
Joel Salinger Law Office of Joel R. Salinger

Re: Paternal rights to contest adoption

You need an attorney experianced in family law in South Carolina. Law from jurisdiction to jurisdiction can vary greatly especially an area such as adoption.

As an answer to your question, in most jurisdictions, your rights as the biological father should outweight all other rights when the mother wants to give up her rights.

Contact an attorney in SC immediately.

Joel R. Salinger

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Answered on 2/26/07, 8:14 pm


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