[traviscotten]

My g.f is pregnant we just found out and in about a month or 2 I have to go to jail and she doesn't want to stay together and wants to put our kid up for adoption what can I do to keep my baby I am a good person and want to get my life on track when I heard I had a baby on the way I really want to step up I really need help

[hheath541]

In order for her to put the kid up for adoption you have to sign away your rights. However, if she doesn't put your name on the birth certificate as father, I don't think they go looking for one. You can probably sue for paternal rights and a dna test to prove paternity, but I'm not sure how you being in jail when the kid is born will effect that.

[Synnen]

What state are you in?

This makes a HUGE difference.

[traviscotten]

What state are you in?

This makes a HUGE difference.

I live in Wisconsin I am a good guy I got caught in some bad stuff and if I loose her I don't want to loose my kid too

[hheath541]

Talk to a family law lawyer in the area. You should be able to find one willing to give basic advice for free (such as telling you if there is some way for you to prevent the adoption, without going into any details).

[traviscotten]

Thank you so much even if I'm in jail while she gives birth what can I do about that if I do get to keep the baby can my father take guardianship for a while till I get out

[hheath541]

That's something you'll have to talk to a lawyer about.

[Synnen]

She cannot place the child for adoption without your permission.

HOWEVER--all she has to do is either say she doesn't know who the father is, or lie about who the father is, and they'll take her at her word if you don't do something.

There is a Putative Father Registry in Wisconsin. Get on that registry.

And get a lawyer--you'll need one to hammer out the custody and guardianship details.

Most likely scenario will involve her keeping the child if she knows you will not sign away your rights, and fighting for full custody herself.

If you truly want to keep your child, then get a lawyer.

HOWEVER---and I feel I have to say this--is it truly in the CHILD'S best interest to stop an adoption? Sometimes the best form of love to show a child is to give the child two stable parents and work out an open adoption with letters/phone calls/visits.

That choice is between you and your girlfriend, though.

[traviscotten]

I want to keep my child it time for me to grow up and stand on my 2 feet 2 my father did it for me ill do it for my child