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answered on Jan 17, 2024
In Indiana, if a parent in police custody agrees to sign over their parental rights, the appropriate legal action would be to file a petition for involuntary termination of parental rights in the appropriate family court. This petition is typically filed in the county where the child resides.... View More 
My wife has a 23 year old disabled son (cerebral palsy and has the mental capability of a 2yr old). He still lives in Colombia with his father. If I wanted to adopt him as my son, would the citizenship process be faster than it is for a normal 23 year old adult?
answered on Nov 21, 2023
In order for an adoption to be binding on immigration authorities, the adoption must occur while the child is still under the age of 16 (along with some other requirements), therefore, if her son is already 23 years old any adoption would not be recognized for immigration purposes. But if you... View More
My daughter has not spoken nor been around her birth father for 11 years now. I don't have much money to spend but want my daughter to legally be my husband's child. She has been begging to do this and we just don't have the resources or know how to do it.
answered on Feb 27, 2023
If the birth father is in agreement with the adoption, a competent attorney with family law experience in or near the county where you live ought to be able to complete the adoption inexpensively—likely less than $5,000.
If the birth father objects, or you can’t locate him, it will... View More
My husband has a daughter, her biological mother has not seen or talked to her in a year and a half. I would like to adopt her through stepparent adoption. We know we would have to argue for her rights to be involuntarily terminated for abandonment. My issue is, I have a DCFS case because prior to... View More
answered on Jun 20, 2022
Based on the facts you provide in your question, it is likely you won't have much trouble with an adoption. However, because you have that CPS record, it would be helpful to hire a family law attorney to guide you through the process and iron out any wrinkles with the court regarding your... View More
I currently live in Texas and have been helping my daughter with her (currently 4yo) son since he was born, even though she lived in Oklahoma. I even kept her son in Texas for 6 months while she got on her feet. After the 6 months, she took her son to Indiana where she had her father & other... View More
answered on May 22, 2022
Your situation is complex and requires the dedicated attention of an experienced attorney.
You can be assured, however, that adoption is serious process with constitutional implications. Your daughter will have to be notified of any adoption proceedings and will have to be provided an... View More
bio dad is not around hasnt been in over three years. i have two other children with my current husband.i dont think bio dad will try to stop it but i cant get ahold of him to sign his rights over im in indiana
answered on Sep 21, 2021
You can get sample forms from the clerk, or possibly even at your county's website. Without the biological dad around to consent, there are things that need to be addressed with the court in order for this to have a chance at working. This is a scenario that can get very complicated very... View More
And I lost my rights when I was in jail and now I got a job and better myself my rights got took in 2020 and I been out of trouble and clean for a year so is there a way I can get them back
answered on May 19, 2021
Your question remains open for two weeks, probably because the Admiralty/Maritime heading you included got in the way of the main issue, which is adoption. Try reposting again, and only choose Adoption and Family Law as categories. If you still don't receive a response, you could reach out to... View More
I’m 14 years old That lives in Indiana and I don’t want to live with parents anymore. They mentally abuse me. They control my life and don’t let me express myself. They always shut me down and always threaten me that they will hit me. I’m tired of waking up everyday and hearing they yell at... View More
answered on May 1, 2020
The short answer is “No”. You cannot run away from home without running the risk that you will find yourself in juvenile court for a juvenile delinquency matter. You could be placed on juvenile probation and have many consequences imposed by the judge.
However, you really should reach... View More
I can’t go back to my moms yet untill an old step parent of mine is gone my boufriend has offered to talk to his mom and let me stay there but I don’t think I can leave with out her calling the cops after a while sayin I’ve run way and I do t wanna be charged for runaway when I wanted to get... View More
answered on Feb 25, 2020
It sounds like DCS is involved with your family, or was involved anyway. If my assumption is correct, I'd suggest you reach out to your caseworker and talk to them about your situation. But if you feel you are truly being abused then you should call 911, or contact any attorney who would make... View More
My husband of 9 years wants to adopts my daughter. Her biological dad hasn’t been involved since day 1. she’s 14 , he’s never paid child support and no order in place for it. They’ve never even met, except once when she was first born. He’s not listed on the birth certificate. Do I need... View More
answered on Dec 20, 2019
Even in a situation like this, where it appears you have a lot of points going in your favor, the adoption process can still be quite complex. You would be well served to at least speak with an experienced attorney to get a thorough review of your case.
My brother in-law just turned 18 and is about to go to naval academy. The thing is he never wanted to be in the military. Both he and my wife lived in an abusive adopted household and he was forced to enlist. He only just turned 18 and finally moved out, he is willing to do all most anything, even... View More
answered on Aug 1, 2019
Based on the information provided in your question he would have to contact the school if he is to attend college, if he has an enlistment contract he would have to talk to the recruiter who signed him up to try and void it. If her can't by the time he is supposed to leave I would advise him... View More
answered on Apr 16, 2018
Assuming your attempts to collect back child support are within Indiana law, yes. Please be aware that there are statute of limitations for collecting back child support after a certain age, emancipation or adoption.
My daughters father has not paid child support, he goes months without contacting her, shes 2, and months without seeing her. He will text me a couple days before he wishes to see her and when i tell him that i have plans he gets upset and says that its my fault he doesn't have a relationship... View More
answered on Mar 26, 2018
When you get married and your significant other wants to adopt the child you must first terminate the biological parents rights first and then put the adoption through. The termination can be consented to or contested and if contested then a hearing will have to be conducted to see what is in the... View More
How would I go about doing it, if the dad won't sign. He hasn't been in his life since the boy was 6months old. He is now almost 3.
answered on Mar 19, 2018
Based on your question it sounds like you need to file a motion with the court for guardianship of the minor child. If the Father is contesting it then the court will decide what is in the child's best interest. That is the standard in Indiana, the child's best interest in matters like... View More
answered on Jul 24, 2017
In adoption like any other matter relating to child custody, almost everything is is considered. Everything must be done in the best interests of the child.
So is the breed of your dog relevant to adoption? It could be. The history of your dog's temperament is probably more important... View More
I have a third child and his father hasn't worked in over 2 years so doesn't pay support. I can't properly support him. I also barely have a relationship with my older 2 and feel like they would be better off not feeling the struggle anymore. How should I approach this? I lost my... View More
answered on Apr 16, 2017
You can contact your ex's attorney if you are now pro se, and tell him or her that you are giving up the custody battle. I am sure that the other attorney will be happy to draft the necessary paperwork. Be very aware that the other attorney is not representing you.
Bio father has not seen them in 6 months nor has paid child support in 6 + mo. He has an active warrant. His where about is unknown.
answered on Apr 4, 2017
Yes, you can represent yourself. I would not advise it as having an experienced family law attorney guide you through the process can make it go more smoothly and generally move along faster. However, that is your prerogative.
If you have remarried and your new husband wishes to adopt your... View More
answered on Mar 14, 2017
Congratulations on your future nuptials. After you are legally married, your new husband can adopt your 4 month old daughter. The biological father can give up his rights by consenting to the adoption or refusing to contest the adoption.
It can be much more complicated than that if the... View More
answered on Mar 14, 2017
Yes. This was actually litigated and decided on in the past year. Indiana must list both spouses in same sex marriages as parents on their children's birth certificate.
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