Giving consent is a major part of the adoption process. "Consent" is when a biological parent or a legal guardian agrees to the adoption.

In the past, this usually had to happen in person in front of a judge or a notary. But starting in 2026, Indiana made this much easier. You can now execute adoption consent via video conferencing.

This means if a parent lives far away or cannot travel to the courthouse in Vernon, they can still sign the papers while talking to an attorney over a video call. It makes the process faster and more convenient for everyone involved. I handle these types of family law matters often and can help you set up these digital meetings correctly.

3. The Home Study Is Your First Big Step

Before you can bring a child home, you must go through a "home study." This might sound intimidating, but it is just a way for the state to make sure a child will be safe and happy in your home.

During a home study, a social worker or agency will:

• Visit your house to see where the child will sleep and play.

• Check your background and finances.

• Ask for references from people who know you well.

• Talk to you about why you want to adopt.

Think of it as a chance to show how much love you have to give. It is a necessary part of almost every adoption, including private adoptions and foster-to-adopt cases. If you have questions about how to prepare, feel free to contact me to talk about the local requirements in Jennings County.

4. Open Adoption Can Start Sooner

Many families today choose "open adoption." This means the child might still have some contact with their biological family after the adoption is final. This is called "post-adoption contact."

The 2026 laws made a change here, too. Previously, a child had to be at least two years old before the court could approve these contact privileges. Now, the court can grant these privileges once the child is just 12 months old.

This allows families to create a plan that works for the child's best interests much earlier. Every family is different, and I can help you write an agreement that protects your rights while keeping the child’s needs first.

5. Your Faith and Beliefs Are Protected

A new law (HB 1389) protects families from discrimination based on their religious beliefs. The government cannot stop you from adopting or fostering a child just because of your sincerely held religious views.

In fact, the law now says the state can consider your faith as a positive thing. If you and the child (or the child’s birth parents) share the same religion, the court can use that information to help make a good match. This is great news for many families in our rural communities who want their faith to be a central part of their child's upbringing.

Why Having a Local Lawyer Matters

Adoption is a legal process, but it is also a very personal one. When you work with a "small town lawyer," you get someone who knows the local courts and the local people. I spend a lot of time in the Jennings County courts, and I know how the judges here handle these cases.

I don't just fill out forms. I listen to your story. I explain your options in plain English, not legal jargon. My goal is to make the process as smooth as possible so you can focus on your new family.

I primarily serve neighbors in North Vernon, Vernon, and the rest of Jennings County. If you live a bit further away in places like Columbus, Seymour, or Versailles, I can still help. I do charge travel fees for cases outside of Jennings County, but I always stay transparent about costs so there are no surprises.

Let’s Talk About Your Family’s Future