Notice of the guardianship proceeding is published in a local paper. If there is no response to the publication notice, the court will grant the guardianship petition. Birthfathers rarely file objections in guardianship proceedings filed by private adoption agencies. This is the result of careful screening of potential placements at the beginning of the process. Specifically, if an agency determines a birthfather is likely to object to the termination of his parental rights, the agency will decline to work with the birthmother.
Private agencies are reluctant to become involved in a costly contested guardianship.
In the event a birthfather files an objection, the agency will evaluate all of the circumstances and decide whether to continue the guardianship proceeding. For at least six months following placement of the child with the adopting parents, the adoption agency will supervise the adoption placement. When the agency is ready to consent to the adoption, the adopting couple will file an adoption petition in the appropriate circuit court. The court will have a short, private hearing to determine if the adopting parents are fit to adopt the child and if it is in the best interest of the child to be adopted by the petitioners. The judge will then sign the final judgment of adoption.