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. Here’s the link to read more about this now! Click here to get even more info.
Choosing a Lawyer
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. You can read more now about this product here. See, this site has all the info you need to learn about this amazing product.
Permission
You need to have a permitted Family Preparation Assessment (Home Study), which is an appraisal of your suitability as an adoptive parent, before you can adopt a child. The Home Study is performed 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 authorization 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 Monitoring
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. Just click here and check out this website!
Required Approvals
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 page has all the info.
Adoption Request Filing
Once you have acquired all the required approvals and permissions, you can file an adoption request with the court having jurisdiction in probate matters in your county of residence or in the county where the child resides. The adoption request 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 approval, approvals, background checks, and other documents to your request. View here for more info. This website has all you need to learn more about this topic.
Adoption Submission Fees
When you file your adoption petition 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 filing 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 attorney or court clerk for more information on these fees. See, this website has all the info you need to learn about this amazing product. Just click here and check it out!