Frank R. v. Mother Goose Adoptions

Summary

The court held that a putative father’s failure to register within the statutory period is an independent ground for terminating parental rights, even when he files a paternity action, contests severance, or was misled by the mother and adoption agency. Because Frank had actual notice of the severance proceeding and an opportunity to register, applying the statutory deadline did not violate due process. The court affirmed the termination order and vacated specified portions of the intermediate appellate opinion.