Indiana Adoption Law Blog
What is the right type of adoption for your situation?
Adoption remains a prevalent and popular option for an individual or couple hoping to expand their family. Each year, more than 100,000 adoptions take place in the U.S. But the term “adoption” is a broad brushstroke, one that belies the complexity and uniqueness of...
Adopting a “special needs” child in Indiana
As many as 134,000 children with special needs await adoption across the United States, according to the National Adoption Center. “Special needs” not only refers to kids with disabilities but those whose age, background or other characteristics make them harder to...
Preparing children for the adoption of a new sibling
Adopting a child is rewarding for the entire family, but sometimes, these transitions take time. If you are adopting a child and you already have other children living in your home, there are some steps to consider taking that may help make blending the family easier...
Do you have what it takes to open your home for foster placement?
There are many wonderful children all across the state of Indiana who, through no fault of their own, have family situations that have become untenable or unsustainable. Whether their loved ones died, wound up in jail, surrendered their parental authority to the state...
Licensing requirements for fostering and adopting kids in Indiana
Fostering or adopting a child in Indiana may prove rewarding and fulfilling for you as well as the fostered or adopted child. Still, you must meet certain eligibility requirements to move forward. The adoption process also varies based on whether you seek to adopt an...
Create an adoption checklist to plan for the future
Adopting a child is rewarding on many fronts, but that doesn’t mean you should dive into the process before you fully understand the finer details. Since there’s a lot that goes into an adoption, it’s critical that you understand the steps to take, your legal rights...
Understanding the legal process of interstate adoption
When a family decides to adopt a child from another state, they must abide by the laws of both their home state and the state where the child lives. Sometimes, this can complicate the adoption process, so it is important to know what to expect before moving forward. ...
Adopting a stepchild
There are many ways to create a family. Marrying someone with children makes you a stepparent, which can be an extremely rewarding role in a child’s life. However, you may be wondering about officially adopting your stepchild. Because Indiana adoption law requires...
Is it time to step up and adopt your grandchildren in Indiana?
When your child has a child, you graduate from parent to grandparent. You will likely continue to have a positive relationship with your own child while forming a new bond with your grandchildren. For most families, grandparents play an auxiliary role, providing...
What is an adoption home study?
Whether you choose to adopt privately or through an agency, Indiana law requires all prospective parents to complete an adoptive home study, also known as a Family Preparation Assessment. During this process, a licensed caseworker or social worker offers adoption...