§ 15-7-26. Notice to natural father.
(a) If the court, after examination, determines that the natural father has not joined in a petition either for the termination of parental rights or a petition for adoption or has not executed a waiver, then the court shall cause inquiry to be made of the mother, as the court in its discretion shall deem appropriate.
(b)(1) If, after the inquiry, the natural father is identified to the satisfaction of the court, he shall be given notice in accordance with § 15-7-8 or in any other manner that the court may direct. Proof of giving the notice shall be filed with the court before a petition for termination of parental rights or a petition for adoption is granted. If the natural father fails to appear, or if appearing fails to claim any rights to the child, the court shall enter an order terminating his rights with reference to the child. If the natural father, or a man representing himself to be the natural father, claims rights to the child, the court shall proceed to determine his rights.
(2) If, after the inquiry, the court is able to identify the natural father but his whereabouts are unknown, or if the court is unable to identify the natural father, the court, on the basis of all information available, shall determine whether there is a reasonable probability that publication of notice of the proceeding will lead to the ascertainment of his identity or whereabouts. If so, the court may order publication in accordance with § 15-7-9.
History of Section.P.L. 1975, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 364, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 451, § 6.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 15-7 - Adoption of Children
Section 15-7-2. - Report, investigation, and hearing on placement of child for adoption.
Section 15-7-2.1. - Pre-adoption report on child placed for adoption.
Section 15-7-3. - Report, investigation, and hearing on child brought into state for adoption.
Section 15-7-4. - Petition to adopt — Court having jurisdiction.
Section 15-7-5. - Consent required.
Section 15-7-5.1. - Contact preference form information.
Section 15-7-6. - Waiver of parents’ right to consent — Guardianship of agency.
Section 15-7-7. - Termination of parental rights.
Section 15-7-7.1. - Court proceedings.
Section 15-7-7.2. - Mediation of termination of parental rights.
Section 15-7-9. - Notice to parent whose whereabouts unknown.
Section 15-7-10. - Consent of minor parents.
Section 15-7-11. - Investigation and report as to adoptive home.
Section 15-7-12. - Trial period of residence.
Section 15-7-13. - Consideration of religion of child or parents.
Section 15-7-14. - Decree of adoption.
Section 15-7-14.1. - Decree of open adoption.
Section 15-7-15. - Decree of change of name.
Section 15-7-16. - Inheritance by and from adoptive kindred.
Section 15-7-17. - Rights of natural parents terminated — Inheritance by child from natural parents.
Section 15-7-18. - Denial of petition — Order as to custody of child.
Section 15-7-19. - Appeal from the family court.
Section 15-7-20. - Jurisdiction of child pending appeal.
Section 15-7-21.1. - Challenge to decree.
Section 15-7-22. - Penalty for violations or false statements.
Section 15-7-23. - Complaints.
Section 15-7-24. - Attendance at hearing.