What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in Indiana?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in Indiana:

1. Marriage: You must be legally married to the child's biological parent

2. Residency: 6 months in Indiana (Ind. Code § 31-19-2-4)

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (12+ months no contact) is established under Ind. Code § 31-19-9-8

4. Child Consent: Children age 14+ must consent (Ind. Code § 31-19-9-1)

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in Indiana (Ind. Code § 31-19-8-5)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Circuit or Superior Court

Our document package includes everything you need — petition, consent forms or abandonment affidavit, background check forms, home study waiver request, and step-by-step filing instructions for your specific countie.