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Who must consent to an adoption?

Normally, if the birth parents are married, both of them must consent to the adoption. If they are not married, the mother must consent and, in some cases, so must the father. But this area of family law is not entirely clear. Some states allow the adoption without the mother's consent if a judge determines that consent is being withheld contrary to the best interests of the child. You should discuss this with a family law attorney, particularly if the birth parents are not married. Consent to the adoption by the agency that places the child might also be needed. If the child is over a certain age, many states will also require the child's consent. Getting the mother's consent for the adoption before the child is born is not enough.

Can consent to the adoption be revoked?

Perhaps consent to the adoption can be revoked - particularly if fraud, duress or "undue influence" can be shown.