What is the purpose of a Putative Father Registry in adoptions?

The Putative Father Registry is a list of the names of men who have either acknowledged paternity of a child by completing the Paternity Acknowledgment form or indicated the possibility of paternity without acknowledging paternity of the child.  The registry allows possible biological but not legal fathers to provide identifying information about themselves, the mother, and the child, so registered men can be notified about adoption proceedings.  The possible biological, but not legal father is encouraged to place his name in the Registry as soon as possible as engaging in a sexual relationship with a woman who is not his legal wife where such union could result in the birth of a child.  The man is the only person allowed to add his information to the Registry.  The mother cannot do it.  The Putative Father Registry is not a public file.  Generally, in adoptions, an attorney is permitted to request a search of the Putative Father registry for purposes of locating a biological father.  For more information about the putative father registry or adoptions contact The Campbell Law Practice, LLC at (404) 981-5257.