Cordell & Cordell Principal Partner Joe Cordell was recently quoted in an article published in the Chicago Tribune titled, “Birth dads still fighting for bigger role in adoption process.”
The story details how biological fathers traditionally have been overlooked during in adoptions. However, that is gradually changing.
Although historically adoptions have primarily included the child, adoptive parents and birth parents, birth dads are starting to participate more and more in the adoption process, but the burden is still on him to prove paternity.
Many states also have putative father registries, which involve varying rules and procedures depending on the state. The registries’ deadlines, and an overall lack of knowledge that the registries exist, also work to squeeze birth fathers out of the process.
In the article, Mr. Cordell recommends doing whatever is necessary to stay on amicable terms with the birth mother while going through the adoption process.
“Avoid conflict (put three exclamation points here) with the birth mom,” Mr. Cordell said. “She can make this difficult for you by saying you’re not the father. When there’s a conflict, the birth mom wins.”
Click here to read the full article.
Written by Joseph E. Cordell
Joseph E. Cordell is the Principal Partner at Cordell and Cordell, P.C., which he founded in 1990 with his wife, Yvonne. Over the past 25 years, the firm has grown to include more than 100 offices in 30 states, as well as internationally in the United Kingdom. Mr. Cordell is licensed to practice in the states of Illinois and Missouri and received his LL.M. from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Joseph E. Cordell was named one of the Top 10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Missouri.
