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St. Thomas Law Review

First Page

259

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The issue of parental rights for unwed fathers continues to generate confusion and controversy. The United States Supreme Court, following an initial period of expansion, has reduced its constitutional oversight of state domestic relations law. This reduction has produced a dynamic redefinition of the parental rights of unwed fathers. Uncertainties, as reflected in recent Florida appellate decisions, remain. This Article will first trace the initial expansion and contraction of federal oversight into the area of parental rights. The Article will then explore the redefinition of these rights as developed by several state jurisdictions. Next, recent Florida developments that demonstrate that the issue of parental rights for unwed fathers remains unsettled will be discussed. Finally, changes in Florida's adoption statute will be recommended. Those changes are directed at correcting deficiencies in the present statute.

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