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How Long Does The Adoption Process Take? Most adoptive parents can meet all state requirements in 6 to 12 months.

Indiana adoption law has provisions by which a stepparent can adopt a child without the consent of the noncustodial, biological parent. No consent is necessary in a stepparent adoption if any one of the following four circumstances apply: The noncustodial parent has abandoned the child for more than six months.

The step-parent seeking to adopt must file a petition in the county where the family resides. The spouse's consent should accompany the petition. The statutory provisions are complex, but as a general rule, notice to the birth parent of the proposed adoption is required.

Adoption Petition Filing If you are an Indiana resident, you may file your adoption petition in the county where you reside, in the county where the child resides, or in the county where the private agency (LCPA) or Department of Child Services (DCS) has custody of the child.

In regards to step-parent adoption in Indiana, Indiana Code 31-19-9-1 states that a petition to adopt a child (under the age of 18) can only be granted if written consent to adoption has been executed by each living parent of the child and the child if they are over the age of 14.

Adoptive parent requirements: Complete application packet issued by the county or agency with whom you are working. Complete 16 hours of training, do criminal background checks and CPS checks as required by the state of Indiana. Complete homestudy process with the county or agency that is working with you.