Robert O. v. Russell K.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Lawrence J.

On this appeal, we must determine what are the rights of the alleged biological father, who was not aware of the mother’s pregnancy until 17 months after the birth of the child and until 10 months after an adoption of the child was finalized. He argues that he was unconstitutionally deprived of due process when he was not notified of the adoption proceeding, or given the opportunity to oppose the adoption. Essentially, he contends that his status as the biological father in itself constitutionally entitled him to notice of the child’s birth and an opportunity to…