Does an unmarried father have any rights to stop the adoption of his child ?

Yes, if he has a parental responsibility order or a parental responsibility agreement (see Children section). He can then apply to be joined as a party to the adoption proceedings.

If the father does not have a parental responsibility order or a parental responsibility agreement he still has some rights.

He will be asked for his consent, however, if he cannot be found his consent is not needed. Or if he does not consent the court has the power to override his refusal and still make an adoption order.

Any consent to adoption by a parent, guardian, special guardian, or a previous adoptive parent must be given in writing on a specially prescribed form.

Can adoption orders be revoked ?

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