What if I can't find the other parent?

This is very common and not a problem at all. Many of the adoptions we help families complete involve a parent whose location is unknown.

When you can't find the other parent, they're served through something called "service by publication" — basically, a legal notice published in a newspaper (usually where they last lived or where the child lives). This is a standard, court-approved way to notify someone when their whereabouts are unknown.

Here's what makes this process fairly straightforward:

We include all the publication documents in your package. You'll get:

• The affidavit proving you made reasonable efforts to find them
• The motion requesting publication service
• The notice itself that gets published
• Step-by-step instructions for everything

The process typically works like this:

1. You document your search efforts (checked social media, asked family members, searched online, etc.)

2. File a motion with the court requesting permission to serve by publication

3. The court approves it

4. You publish the notice (usually just once, in most states)

5. After the required waiting period (typically 30-35 days), the adoption proceeds

The court is completely familiar with this situation and handles it regularly. Once they see you made reasonable efforts and proper publication was done, they move forward with the adoption.

Don't worry — not knowing where the other parent is doesn't stop the adoption. It actually happens in a significant percentage of the cases we handle. The court wants your child to have the security of a two-parent home.

Is the other parent's location unknown in your situation?