West Virginia Code § 48-22-603

Notice to an unknown father
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(a) In the case of an unknown father, the court shall inspect the affidavit submitted pursuant
to the provisions of section 22-502, consider any additional evidence that the court, in its
discretion, determines should be produced, and determine whether said father can be
identified. The inspection and consideration of any additional evidence by the court shall be
accomplished as soon as practicable after the filing of the petition, but no laeter than sixty
days before the final hearing on the adoption petition.
(b) If the court identifies a father pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section,
then notice of the proceeding for adoption shall be served on theu father so identified in
accordance with the provisions of section 22-602.
(c) If after consideration of the affidavit and/or the consideration of further evidence, the
court finds that proper service cannot be made upon the father because his identity is
unknown, the court shall order publication of the notice only if, on the basis of all
information available, the court determines that pulblication is likely to lead to receipt of
notice by the father. If the court determines thsat publication or posting is not likely to lead to
receipt of notice, the court may dispense with the publication or posting of a notice.
PART 7. PROCEDURES FOR ADOPTION.

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