How to Adopt a Stepchild in Indiana: Legal Steps and Requirements

You’ve been there for the school pickups, bedtime routines, and scraped knees. You’ve built trust, memories, and love. Now, you're ready to make it official by adopting your stepchild.

In Indiana, stepparent adoption is how you become your stepchild’s legal parent. It's more than a title—it gives you full legal rights and responsibilities, including the ability to make decisions for your child, access to medical and educational records, and protection for your family under the law.

At Lacy Law Office in Indianapolis, we help stepparents take this next step with confidence and care.

What Is Stepchild Adoption in Indiana?

Stepparent adoption allows you to become your stepchild’s legal parent through the Indiana probate court system. Once the adoption is finalized:

• You are listed on the child’s birth certificate
• The child gains inheritance rights and access to benefits (like insurance or Social Security)
• The other biological parent’s legal rights are permanently terminated

This process helps solidify the relationship you’ve already built—and protects it legally moving forward.

Legal Steps to Adopt a Stepchild in Indiana

Here’s how the process works, step by step:

1. Talk to an Adoption Attorney in Indianapolis: Every family is different. We’ll sit down with you to review your situation, explain the law, and make a plan that works for your family.

2. Get the Other Parent’s Consent—or Explore Alternatives: Indiana law requires the consent of the non-custodial parent—unless that parent has failed to support or contact the child for at least one year, for example. If consent isn’t possible, we’ll help you pursue legal options to move forward.

3. File the Adoption Petition: We’ll prepare and file the necessary documents with the probate court in Marion County or your local jurisdiction.

4. Complete Any Required Screening: Depending on the case, the court may order a home study or background check. These steps help ensure the child is in a safe, stable home.

5. Final Court Hearing: If everything is in order, a judge will approve the adoption. You'll receive a final decree—and you’ll officially become your stepchild’s legal parent.

Requirements for Stepparent Adoption in Indiana

To adopt your stepchild, you must meet certain legal requirements:

• You must be legally married to the child’s biological or legal parent
• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must live in Indiana or meet the state’s residency requirements
• The child must consent if they are 14 or older
• The non-custodial parent must consent—or meet the legal threshold for involuntary consent waiver under Indiana Code § 31-19-9-8

We’ll guide you through all of these requirements and help you gather what’s needed to move forward.

Why Work with Lacy Law Office?

At Lacy Law Office, we focus on family and probate law with heart. We’re based in Indianapolis and understand how Indiana courts handle stepparent adoptions. Whether your case is straightforward or involves a missing or uncooperative parent, we’ll help you find a clear path forward.

• Local experience in Indianapolis and surrounding counties
• Personalized guidance and direct communication
• A legal team who truly cares about the outcome for your family

Make It Official—We’ll Help You Get There

You already love and care for your stepchild like your own. Now let’s make it legal.

‍Contact Lacy Law Office today to schedule a consultation. We’ll explain the process, answer your questions, and walk with you every step of the way.