Types of Adoption in Indiana

There are so many reasons a family may choose to adopt. Because there are a multitude of reasons for adoption, this also means there are several different types of adoption. Adoption of minor children can be broken down into four categories: (1) stepparent adoption, (2) blood relative adoption, (3) agency placement adoption, and (4) private placement adoption.

Stepparent Adoption

In a stepparent adoption, a biological parent’s new spouse is seeking to adopt the child. The stepparent seeks to adopt and consent is executed by the spouse who is the biological parent. Afterwards, the petition is forwarded to an agency for investigation, and necessary consents or notices are given. The other biological parent may or may not have to provide consent, depending on the circumstances. Situations in which consent is not required can be found at Ind. Code 31-19-9-8.

Blood Relative Adoption

A typical blood relative adoption occurs when a child is born out of wedlock and placed with their grandparents. Blood relative adoption is not restricted to just grandparents, though. The child can also be adopted by other qualified relatives. The birth mother must provide consent and then the petition is forwarded to an agency for investigation. If paternity has been established, the father must provide consent or be given notice of the adoption.

Agency Placement Adoption

Agency placement adoptions occur through a licensed child placement agency. The agency accepts applications from prospective adoptive parents, investigates potential homes, and ultimately places a child in the care of their new parents. In an agency placement adoption, the petition and necessary consents/notices are typically taken care of by the agency.

Private Placement Adoption

Private placement adoptions generally occur when a doctor or lawyer knows of a mother wanting to give up her child for adoption and a couple seeking to adopt a child. Adoption arrangements can be made by the mother, doctor, lawyer, or any combination of the three. The court scrutinizes this type of adoption very closely to ensure there is no black-market transaction occurring. This extra scrutiny results in additional court appearances to approve the prospective parents. First, a preliminary hearing is required to waive agency approval and grant temporary placement of the child with the prospective parents. If the waiver of agency approval is accepted, then the petitions and pleadings will be forwarded for investigation. Just as in the other types of adoptions, consents or notices will need to be given.

As you can see, there are multiple ways for prospective parents to adopt. If you are looking to adopt a child, contact McNeely Law today. Call us at 317-825-5110 to talk to a family law attorney who can help navigate you through this process.

This McNeelyLaw LLP publication should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion of any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own lawyer on any specific legal questions you may have concerning your situation.