Rule 15.4.1 - Involuntary Termination Of The Parental Rights Of A Putative Father Whose Identity Or Whereabouts Cannot Be AscertainedThe parental rights of a natural or putative father whose identity or whereabouts cannot be ascertained must be terminated by an involuntary termination proceeding prior to approval of a final adoption.
(a) The involuntary termination petition must aver that the natural mother does not know the identity or whereabouts of the natural or putative father, must include his last know address, if known, and must also specify all attempts made by the petitioner to determine the correct identity of the natural or putative father.(b) Notice of the involuntary termination petition and hearing shall be served on the natural or putative father by publication in the form and manner approved by the Court following presentation of a separate Motion for Service by Publication and Affidavit of Diligent Search as required by Pa. R.C.P. 430.(c) Publication shall include, as a minimum, the contents of the citation attached to the Involuntary Termination Petition. Proof of publication shall be submitted to the Court prior to hearing.