What about if I dont even know where he is?

This is extremely common — we help families in this exact situation all the time.

Not knowing where the biological father is actually doesn't stop the adoption at all. Here's how it works:

## Service by Publication

Since you can't personally serve him with adoption papers (because you don't know where he is), Rhode Island law allows what's called "service by publication."

This means:

• A legal notice about the adoption is published in a newspaper (usually in the county where he was last known to live, or where you're filing)
• The notice runs for a certain number of weeks (typically 3-4 weeks)
• This legally counts as notifying him of the adoption proceedings
• If he doesn't respond, the court proceeds without him

We prepare all the documents you need for service by publication as part of your adoption package, including the specific wording for the newspaper notice.

## The Process is Straightforward

1. You'll contact the newspaper (we tell you which one based on your situation)

2. They publish the legal notice for the required period

3. You get an Affidavit of Publication from the newspaper proving it ran

4. You file that with the court

5. The court proceeds with the adoption

Cost: Usually around $50-75 for the newspaper publication.

## This Actually Strengthens Your Case

The fact that you don't even know where he is demonstrates abandonment even more clearly. If he's been so uninvolved that you don't know his location, the court sees this as strong evidence that the child needs the stability your family is providing.

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The bottom line: Not knowing where he is is not a problem at all. It's one of the most common scenarios we handle, and we guide you through every step.

How long has it been since there was any contact with him?