Arkansas's Birth Father Statutes

Does State have a Putative Father Registry: Yes

Registry/Paternity Requirements to Receive Notice
Statute: §§ 20-18-702; 9-9-224

• May file prior to child's birth or at anytime prior to the filing of a petition for adoption.
• Complete Department of Health form signed and acknowledged by putative father and notarized.
• When information is contained in the registry at the time of the filing of the adoption petition, a copy of the petition is served on the registrant.

Information Contained in Registry/Claim
Statute: § 20-18-702

• Name, address and social security number of birth mother, and any person who claims to be the father.
• If born, child's name, and date and location of birth if known.

Revocation of Claim to Paternity
Statute: § 20-18-703

• Putative father must submit a signed and notarized statement that, to the best of his knowledge, he is not the father.
• Revocation only effective after child's birth.

Access to Information Maintained in Registry
Statute: § 20-18-704

• Birth mother.
• Child.
• Registrant.
• Department of Human Services.
• Attorneys involved in paternity, support or aoption litigation.
• Office of Child Support Enforcement.

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

If you are an adoption professional and have updated information for this portion of our site let us know by contacting us at 1-800-ADOPTION or e-mail us at editors@americanadoptions.com.