Indiana Stepparent Adoption Lawyers

Bringing Families Together Through Stepparent Adoption

Indiana stepparent adoption attorneys Steve and Joel Kirsh have spent more than 30 years working to build family bonds through stepparent adoption. In addition to their newborn adoption practice, they have handled hundreds of stepparent adoptions over the years. They understand the unique bond between parents and their stepchildren and can help you take this important step.

Kirsh & Kirsh, P.C., is the only Indiana law firm — and one of the few in the country — dedicated solely to adoption law. To speak with our Indiana stepparent adoption attorneys in a free and confidential consultation, call 317-575-5555 or contact us online.

Stepparent Adoptions: Cementing Your Relationship With Your Stepchild

Most Indiana stepparent adoptions occur when a divorced parent remarries and their new spouse adopts a child from a previous marriage. It is also common for a stepparent to adopt a child born out of wedlock.

There are many reasons why couples hire an Indiana stepparent adoption attorney to handle their stepparent adoption. Some stepparents have financial reasons, while others have questions about inheritance. Many stepparents simply what to create the family bond of being the legal parent of their child. Whatever your reason, we can answer your questions and help you take the necessary steps to create a legal relationship between you and your child.

Consent of the Noncustodial Parent

In most cases, the divorced parent must obtain the consent of the biological father or mother before a stepparent can adopt a child. However, this is not always necessary. 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:

1. The noncustodial parent has abandoned the child for more than six months.

2. The noncustodial parent has failed to support the child for more than one year or failed to make court-ordered child support payments.

3. The noncustodial parent has failed to significantly communicate with the child for more than one year.

4. The noncustodial parent is unfit to parent the child. Issues such as drug abuse, mental illness, or imprisonment may indicate unfitness.

Indianapolis adoption lawyers Steve and Joel Kirsh can help you determine whether you need the consent of the biological parent or can terminate his or her parental rights in court.

Contact Our Indianapolis Adoption Attorneys

If you are considering an Indiana, stepparent adoption, please contact Kirsh & Kirsh. We will help you though the stepparent adoption process, and if necessary, go to court to prove that the consent of the noncustodial parent is not necessary. We are the only adoption attorneys in Indiana, and among the few in the entire country, dedicated solely to adoptions. We would like to let our experience work for you.

Please contact Kirsh & Kirsh, and we will send prospective birth mothers and prospective adoptive parents information about the adoption practice of attorneys Steve and Joel Kirsh.