How to Adopt a Child Legally in Indiana
If you want to adopt a child in Indiana, you need to plan and prepare well for this life-changing choice. You also need to know the legal process and requirements that you have to follow. Here are some of the main steps and factors that you should consider when adopting a child legally in Indiana. Click here to learn more more helpful tips on child adoption.
Finding a Legal Representative
You need to choose a lawyer who can represent you and give you legal advice as the first step in the adoption process. You should find a lawyer who knows about the foster care system and adoption laws in Indiana. You can get recommendations from family, friends, or other adoptive parents, or contact your local county Bar Association for more information on lawyers. You should also inquire about the lawyer fees and how they charge their services.
Authorization
Before you can adopt a child, you need to have an approved Family Preparation Assessment (Home Study), which is an evaluation of your suitability as an adoptive parent. The Home Study is conducted by either the Local County Department of Child Services (DCS) or a Private Child Placing Agency (LCPA) that contracts with them. The Home Study includes interviews, home visits, background checks, references, medical reports, financial statements, and other documents. You need to have written approval from DCS or LCPA before a child can be placed with you for adoption. See, this site has all the info you need to learn about this amazing product.
Agency Oversight
Indiana law requires that adoptions be granted only after a period of oversight has been met. The oversight period is typically six months, but it may differ depending on the court's discretion. During this period, the child and the adoptive family are overseen by either DCS or LCPA to ensure that they are adapting well to each other. The agency will provide support services, such as counseling, education, training, and referrals, to help the family during this transition period.
Required Permissions
Another important step in the adoption process is to acquire the required approvals from the parties involved. The approval of the child's mother, if she is living, is required by law to complete an adoption. The approval of the child's father who has established paternity or signed a paternity affidavit is also required. If the child is a ward of the state, DCS may have completed a court action to terminate the parent-child relationship so that the child can be legally free for adoption. Your legal representative should check with DCS to see whether all approvals have been obtained or if the child is legally free for adoption. Click here to learn more now!
Adoption Petition Filing
Once you have gotten all the required permissions and approvals, you can file an adoption application with the court having jurisdiction in probate matters in your county of residence or in the county where the child resides. The adoption application is a legal document that states your intention to adopt the child and provides information about you, the child, and your relationship with the child. You will need to attach copies of your Home Study permission, permissions, background checks, and other documents to your application. Use this product for smooth adoption process.
Adoption Filing Fees
When you file your adoption application with the court, you will also need to pay some fees associated with your adoption. These fees may include a putative father registry fee ($10), an adoption history fee ($20), and a court submission fee (varies by county). Some of these fees may be waived or reduced depending on your income level and eligibility for assistance. You should check with your lawyer or court clerk for more information on these fees. This page has all the info you need. Just click here and check it out!