In the Matter of Robert O. v. Russell K.

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the lower courts, holding that an unwed father who did not know of his child's birth and failed to act promptly has no constitutional right to notice or consent to the adoption, and his equal‑protection claim also fails. The Court emphasized that constitutional protection for unwed fathers requires a timely manifestation of willingness to assume custody. A concurring opinion agreed with the result but argued that the majority’s characterization of biology alone as insufficient is too sweeping.