Step parent adoption in Scotland?

Question

Does anyone know about adoption rights in Scotland, bio father has had no contact with child for 4 years and has never made any financial contribution, if a step parent wishes to apply to adopt would the bio father require to be contacted?

The bio father's name is on the birth certificate. Thanks x

Answer 1

my dog rocky is from scotland

Answer 2

Hi, if the bio is on the birth certificate then YES he must be contacted as he has to sign away his parental rights even tho he's hasn't seen the child or paid any maintenance he still unfortunately has parental rights, it sucks I know but thats the law

Answer 3

I'm a social worker trained in scotland and worked in England.  In England I did quite a few "mothers own" adoptions as they were known.  I prepared a report for the lower courts.  The report sets out the mothers reason for adoption and in particular why it would benefit the child.  The childs father is always contacted and would have a say.  Obviously the courts want to know what the prospective adoptive father thinks because adoption confers complete responsibility financially/emotionally.  

One question to ask yourself is if I died would my current partner bring up the child as his own ?

What do other family members think?

The adoption would also remove all rights from the natural father.  Does your child wish this now or in the future?

Lots to consider if in any doubt my advice would be to wait for a couple of years and see then.

Best wishes.

Answer 4

in the US, it would be required.