What must a potential father do after receiving notice of a planned adoption?

The process for a potential father after receiving notice of a planned adoption requires specific legal actions to protect his rights regarding the child. Filing and serving a verified petition and summons within 30 days is essential, as this step allows him to formally assert his interest in establishing paternity and contest the adoption if he believes it is in the child's best interests. This action not only indicates his intent to be legally recognized as the father, but also initiates the legal proceedings necessary for him to assert his paternal rights.

Moreover, this timeframe is critical; if the potential father fails to act within the allotted 30 days, he may forfeit his rights to object to the adoption. This requirement highlights the urgency and importance of a proactive approach in family law matters, particularly those involving adoption, where time-sensitive actions can significantly affect the outcome. The responsibility falls on the father to ensure his voice is heard in the proceedings rather than waiting for external communication from the court or others involved, which can lead to missed opportunities for asserting his parental rights.