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. Just click here and check it out! Click here to get even more info.
Choosing a Lawyer
The first step in the adoption process is to select an attorney who can represent you and provide legal advice. You should look for an attorney who has experience and knowledge of the foster care system and adoption laws in Indiana. You can ask for recommendations from family, friends, or other adoptive parents, or contact your local county Bar Association for more information on attorneys. You should also ask about the attorney fees and how they bill their services. Just click for more helpful tips on this website. See, this site has all the info you need to learn about this amazing product.
Approval
You need to have an authorized Family Preparation Assessment (Home Study), which is an assessment of your fitness as an adoptive parent, before you can adopt a child. The Home Study is done by either the Local County Department of Child Services (DCS) or a Private Child Placing Agency (LCPA) that contracts with them. The Home Study involves interviews, home visits, background checks, references, medical reports, financial statements, and other documents. You need to have written permission from DCS or LCPA before a child can be placed with you for adoption. Here’s the link to learn more about the awesome product now!
Agency Supervision
Indiana law requires that adoptions be granted only after a period of supervision has been met. The supervision 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 supervised 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 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 Application 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. See, click here for more info about this! Click here to get even more info on the subject!
Adoption Registration 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. You can read more about the subject here!