Nothing is more terrifying than the thought of a legal system making decisions about your family without your input. Whether you are fighting to stop an adoption that threatens to sever your relationship with your child, or you are a stepfather seeking to legally solidify the bond with a child you already love, the stakes are incredibly high.

At Dads.Law, we understand that for fathers, the family court system often feels like an uphill battle. You may feel marginalized or unheard. We are here to change that. We are the premier fathers’ rights firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dedicated to ensuring that your rights are respected, your voice is heard, and your role as a father is protected.

If you are navigating the complex waters of the Oklahoma Adoption Code, you do not have to do it alone.

Understanding Adoption Laws in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Adoption is a beautiful way to build a family, but for biological fathers, it can also be a legal minefield. In Oklahoma, adoption law is governed primarily by Oklahoma Statutes Title 10. While the law claims to be gender-neutral, the practical application often places an extra burden on fathers to prove their commitment to their children.

To navigate a Tulsa adoption case successfully, you must understand two critical legal concepts: Consent and Termination of Parental Rights.

The Necessity of Consent

Generally, a child cannot be adopted without the consent of both biological parents. However, there are significant exceptions. If a biological father fails to establish his rights or fails to meet specific legal obligations, the court may rule that his consent is no longer necessary.

The Oklahoma Paternity Registry

For unmarried fathers, this is arguably the most critical step in protecting your rights. If you are not listed on the birth certificate, you must register with the Oklahoma Paternity Registry. Failure to register can be interpreted by Tulsa courts as a lack of interest in the child, potentially allowing an adoption to proceed without your knowledge or consent.

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When Can a Child Be Adopted Without a Father’s Consent?

This is the most common fear for the men we represent. You may be asking, “Can the mother of my child let her new husband adopt my child without my permission?”

Under Oklahoma law (10 O.S. § 7505-4.2), a father’s consent may not be required if the court finds that:

  • Failure to Support: The father has willfully failed to contribute to the support of the child (in accordance with his financial ability) for a period of 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the filing of the adoption petition.
  • Failure to Maintain a Relationship: The father has willfully failed to maintain a significant and positive relationship with the child through frequent and periodic communication for a period of 12 consecutive months.

Important Note: The “12-month” rule is strictly litigated in Tulsa County District Court. Even if you have been blocked from seeing your child, you must prove that you made every effort to communicate or provide support. Documentation is your shield.

Step-Parent Adoption: Solidifying Your Family

Not all adoption cases at Dads.Law are about defense. Many of our clients are stepfathers who have stepped up where a biological father stepped out. Step-parent adoption is the most common form of adoption in the United States.

If you wish to adopt your stepchild in Tulsa, the process generally involves:

  1. Filing a Petition: We file paperwork with the Tulsa County Court Clerk.
  2. Termination of Rights: The biological father’s rights must be terminated, either through his voluntary consent or by proving the grounds listed above (abandonment or failure to support).
  3. Background Checks: Unlike other adoptions, step-parent adoptions in Oklahoma often have waived or streamlined home study requirements, but background checks are usually still required.
  4. The Hearing: A judge will review the case to ensure the adoption is in the “best interests of the child.”

Adult Adoption in Oklahoma

Fathers’ rights don’t end when a child turns 18. We frequently assist with adult adoptions. If you have raised a child who is now an adult, you can legally adopt them to formalize inheritance rights and emotional bonds. In Oklahoma, adult adoption generally does not require the consent of the biological parents—only the consent of the adult being adopted and the spouse of the adopting parent.

"Mr. Bacon’s strength of character—his respect, steadfastness, and dedication—set him apart as truly invaluable.

Under an impossible timeline and amid immense pressure, he provided me with the legal representation I not only needed but deserved. His actions remind me that courage and integrity can prevail, even in the most trying of circumstances."

-Al Hammamieh

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Are Served with Adoption Papers

If you receive a “Notice of Plan for Adoption” or a petition to terminate your parental rights, time is of the essence. Do not ignore it.

  1. Read the Documents Carefully: Identify the hearing date and the specific allegations made against you (e.g., abandonment or failure to pay support).
  2. Do Not Contact the Mother Angrily: Anything you say via text or voicemail can be used against you in court to paint you as unstable.
  3. Gather Financial Records: Collect proof of every child support payment, purchase of diapers/clothes, or gifts bought for the child over the last 14 months.
  4. Gather Communication Logs: Screenshot text messages, call logs, and emails that prove you tried to maintain a relationship with your child.
  5. Contact Dads.Law Immediately: Adoption timelines are short. In some cases, you may have as little as 30 days to file a formal objection.

How Dads.Law Can Help

At Dads.Law, we are not just general practitioners; we are focused solely on the rights of fathers. We know the specific judges at the Tulsa County Courthouse at 500 S Denver Ave. We know the opposing counsel tactics often used to alienate fathers.

We provide:

  • Aggressive Defense: We fight unfounded allegations of abandonment to prevent the termination of your parental rights.
  • Strategic Planning: We help stepfathers navigate the adoption process efficiently, minimizing stress for the child and mother.

Empathy and Clarity: We explain legal terms in plain English, so you never feel lost in the process.

Secure Your Legacy. Protect Your Family.

Whether you are fighting to keep your child or fighting to make your family official, the outcome of this legal case will define the rest of your life. Do not leave it to chance.

Contact Dads.Law today for a consultation. Let us stand between you and the system.

Can my ex put my baby up for adoption without telling me?

It depends on whether you have established your rights. If you are married to the mother, you are presumed to be the father. If you are unmarried, you must be on the birth certificate or registered with the Oklahoma Paternity Registry. If you have not registered and cannot be located, an adoption could theoretically proceed without your input. This is why immediate legal action is vital.

Do I need a lawyer for a step-parent adoption in Tulsa?

It is recommended. While step-parent adoption is common, it is a strict legal process. If the paperwork is filed incorrectly, or if the biological father’s rights are not terminated according to the exact letter of the law, the adoption could be overturned years later. A “Tulsa adoption attorney” ensures the bond is permanent and legally secure.

What if I haven't paid child support in over a year? Can I stop the adoption?

It will be difficult, but it is not impossible. You must prove that the failure to pay was not “willful.” For example, if you were incarcerated, hospitalized, or destitute and unable to work, you may have a defense. Furthermore, even if grounds for termination exist, the court must still find that terminating your rights is in the best interest of the child. We argue that maintaining a relationship with you is beneficial for the child.

How long does a contested adoption case take in Oklahoma?

Contested adoptions are complex litigation. They can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the court’s schedule and the intensity of the dispute. Uncontested step-parent adoptions are significantly faster, often finalizing within 3 to 6 months.