Adoption FAQs

The adoption process can be very rewarding and exciting. It can be easily accomplished so long as the necessary procedures are followed closely.

Will the natural parents of my adopted child have rights to see the child after the adoption is complete?

Indiana law is very clear that once an adoption is finalized, the rights and obligations of the biological parents are forever terminated. Indiana adoption law recognizes the adoption parent as stepping into the shoes of the child's biological parents for all intents and purposes, including parenting rights and obligations, and inheritance laws.

What procedures are required to finalize an adoption?

The general, adoptive parents must file a petition for adoption, obtain consents from the biological parents, (if known or if necessary), perform a Putative Father Registry search to determine if a potential father of the child should receive notice of the adoption, complete a successful home study, and provide adequate notice to all potential parents of the child.

What if I don't know the identity of the biological father?

Men who may be the father of a child (putative fathers) must file a paternity action to determine if they are the father of a child to obtain legal rights as a parent. If a man believes he is the father of a child and desires to receive notice of a pending adoption of that child, he must either file a paternity action or register with the Indiana Putative Father Registry to ensure that he receives notice. An adoptive parent's responsibility is to conduct a Putative Father Registry search to identify persons who must receive notice. This search will also uncover paternity actions on file that are related to the child, if any. If a putative father is identified, notice of the adoption must be provided to him. If no putative father is identified, you must still provide notice of the adoption to potentially interested parties by publication in a local newspaper.

What if one of the parents does not consent?

Lack of consent from a biological parent can be an insurmountable hurdle in an adoption. However, there are some situations wherein a parent's consent is not necessary, such as if the parent has committed certain crimes, or has not communicated with or supported the child for several months prior to the filing date of an adoption petition.

Attorney Consultation

I would be happy to evaluate your case. Simply schedule an appointment with me, Attorney Julie R. Glade, by calling (219) 736-0456 or by filling out the Contact Us form on this web site. I serve clients throughout Lake County and Porter County in Northwest Indiana. My law office is located in Merrillville.