Adopting a child is a major decision that needs careful planning and preparation. You also need to understand the legal process and requirements that apply to adoption in Indiana. Here are some of the important steps and factors that you have to consider when adopting a child legally in Indiana. For more info on this product view here! Click here to get even more info.
Finding a Legal Representative
The first step in the adoption process is to find a legal representative who can represent you and offer you legal advice. You should look for a legal representative who has experience and knowledge of the foster care system and adoption laws in Indiana. You can ask for suggestions from family, friends, or other adoptive parents, or contact your local county Bar Association for more information on legal representatives. You should also ask about the legal representative fees and how they bill their services. Click here to learn more about this service! This homepage has all the info.
Approval
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. View here for more info on this product.
Agency Monitoring
Indiana law requires that adoptions be granted only after a period of monitoring has been met. The monitoring period is usually six months, but it may vary depending on the court’s discretion. During this period, the child and the adoptive family are monitored by either DCS or LCPA to ensure that they are adjusting 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. You can read more on the subject here!
Required Permissions
Another important step in the adoption process is to get the required permissions from the parties involved. The permission of the child’s mother, if she is living, is required by law to complete an adoption. The permission 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 end the parent-child relationship so that the child can be legally free for adoption. Your lawyer should check with DCS to see whether all permissions have been obtained or if the child is legally free for adoption. This website has all you need to learn more about this topic.
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. View here for more info. Click here for more helpful tips on this company.
Adoption Submission 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. View here for more info on this product.