Can a married minor be adopted in Indiana?

Full question:

I am a resident of Indiana. I want to adopt a 16-year-old married girl. Do I need her husband’s consent to adopt her?

  • Category: Adoption
  • Subcategory: Consent of Minor
  • Date:
  • State: Indiana

Answer:

In Indiana, if the child is married, the consent of the spouse of the child to be adopted is needed. It is envisaged in Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 31-19-9-1 which reads as:
“(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a petition to adopt a child who is less than eighteen (18) years of age may be granted only if written consent to adoption has been executed by the following:
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     (6) The spouse of the child to be adopted if the child is married.
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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

To adopt your stepchild in Indiana, you must file a petition for adoption in the county where the child resides. You will need to obtain consent from the child's other biological parent unless their rights have been terminated. Additionally, you may need to undergo a home study and background check. It's advisable to consult with an attorney to navigate the legal requirements effectively. *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.*