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Which county’s jurisdiction shall a person file the petition for adoption in Indiana?

Which county’s jurisdiction shall a person file the petition for adoption in Indiana?

Q: How much does it cost to adopt your stepchild in Indiana?

The cost to adopt a stepchild in Indiana can vary widely, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Costs may include court fees, attorney fees, and other related expenses. It's advisable to consult with a legal professional for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation.

Q: What are the requirements to adopt a child in Indiana?

To adopt a child in Indiana, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Indiana, and able to provide a stable home. You will need to complete an adoption application, undergo a home study, and may need to attend training. Additionally, background checks are required to ensure the safety of the child.

Q: Can my husband adopt my child without father's consent in Indiana?

In Indiana, a stepparent can adopt a child without the biological father's consent if the father has abandoned the child or if his parental rights have been terminated. If the father is involved, his consent is generally required for the adoption to proceed.

Q: How do I adopt my stepchild in Indiana?

To adopt your stepchild in Indiana, you must file a petition for adoption with the court, complete a home study, and obtain consent from the biological parent if required. You may also need to attend a court hearing where a judge will review the case to ensure the adoption is in the child's best interest.

Full question:

I am a resident of Daviess County, Indiana. I want to adopt a 14-year-old child who is a resident of Tippecanoe County. In which county’s jurisdiction shall I file the petition for adoption?

Category: Adoption
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Indiana

Answer:

A resident of Daviess County, who wants to adopt a child residing in Tippecanoe county, can file a petition for adoption with the clerk of the court having probate jurisdiction, either in Daviess County or in Tippecanoe county. Venue for filing petition for adoption by resident of Indiana is envisaged in Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 31-19-2-2 which reads as:

“(a) A resident of Indiana who seeks to adopt a child less than eighteen (18) years of age may, by attorney of record, file a petition for adoption with the clerk of the court having probate jurisdiction in the county in which:
     (1) the petitioner for adoption resides;
     ***
     (3) the child resides.
***”

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can you put a 14 year old up for adoption?

Yes, in Indiana, a 14-year-old can be placed for adoption. However, the child must consent to the adoption if they are 14 years old or older. The process involves filing a petition for adoption and may require the involvement of a court to ensure the child's best interests are met.