Arkansas Adoption Laws Page3

Adoption Laws in Arkansas Page3

Putative fathers

Yes, the state has a Putative Father Registry.

Registry requirements to receive notice : Statute: - §- § 20-18-702; 9-9-224

• A copy of the petition is served on the registrant, when information is contained in the registry at the time of the filing of the adoption petition.
• A completed form of Department of Human Resource signed and notarized by the putative father is required for the registration.
• The putative father may file prior to the child's birth, or at anytime prior to the filing of a petition for adoption.

Information in the registry or claim : Statute: - § 20-18-702

• The birth date, child's name and location of the birth, if known.
• Name, address and social security number of the putative father and the birth mother.

Revocation of claim to paternity: - § 20-18-703

• The putative father have to submit signed and notarized statement mentioning that he is not the father, or a court has adjudicated paternity to someone else than the registrant.
• Revocation is effective only after the birth of a child.

Who may access to registry information : Statute: - § 20-18-704

• Department of Human Services
• Attorneys involved in paternity, support, or adoption litigation
• The child
• The Office of Child Support Enforcement
• The registrant
• A birth mother