Yes, in most cases.

The court needs to let the father know about the adoption and give him a chance to take action. The baby cannot be adopted until the father gives up his parental rights, unless

• the father no longer has rights to the baby
• he signs a form saying that he does not need to be notified
• he signs a form saying he is not the father
• the baby is a result of rape or statutory rape and the father was convicted of it.

Your adoption lawyer or adoption agency can provide you with more information.  If you have other reasons why you don’t want to let the father know, you can talk to the lawyer or agency.