If you’re a foster parent, you already know what it means to open your heart and home to a child in need. But what happens when that temporary placement becomes permanent in your heart? When you realize this child isn’t just in your care—they’re part of your family?
You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of foster parents, kinship caregivers, and family members take the beautiful step of legally making their foster children their own. At Berry & Domer, we’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of families throughout Indiana navigate this journey, and we’d love to help yours too.
Who We Help
We represent foster parents, kinship caregivers, and family members across Indiana who are ready to adopt their foster children. Whether you’re in Bloomington, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Gary or anywhere in between, we’re here to guide you through this exciting chapter.
How We Support Your Adoption Journey
Adopting your foster child involves more than just paperwork—it’s about ensuring everything is done correctly so your family’s future is secure. Here’s how we help:
Complete all legal filings: We prepare and file all adoption documents with the court, ensuring everything meets Indiana’s legal requirements.
Answer your questions: Adoption law can be confusing. We’re here to explain the process in plain language and address any concerns you have.
Negotiate on your behalf: We work to secure your adoption subsidy, Medicaid coverage, and reimbursement for non-recurring adoption expenses (including attorney fees) when applicable.
Handle name changes: If you’d like to change your child’s name, we take care of all the legal steps.
Obtain new documents: We help you get a new birth certificate with your child’s new name and your names listed as parents.
Guide you through next steps: We provide clear instructions for obtaining a new social security card and information about available tax credits.
Celebrate with you: We’ll be there at your final adoption hearing to cheer, take photos, and celebrate your new family—it’s the best part of what we do!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when it's time to adopt?
This is one of the most important questions, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. While your caseworker may offer advice, adoption law is complex, and timing matters. An experienced adoption attorney can evaluate your specific situation and tell you whether the legal groundwork is in place to move forward.
At Berry & Domer, we offer free consultations—in person or by video or phone—to help you understand if now is the right time to file your adoption petition. There’s no obligation, just honest guidance.
What does a foster parent adoption cost?
Here’s the good news: if your adoption is uncontested, you won’t pay anything out of pocket.
An uncontested adoption means the Department of Child Services (DCS) has agreed to consent, and the biological parents have either signed consents or had their parental rights terminated by court order. In these cases, Indiana provides $2,000 to cover adoption costs, which we accept as payment in full. We also cover the filing fees and Indiana Department of Health fees (typically around $250 per child), so there’s no cost to you.
How long does the adoption process take?
Once consents are signed or termination orders are in place, most adoptions are finalized within 90 days. However, the timeline depends on DCS completing and filing required documents, including home summaries and adoption subsidy eligibility applications.
We understand that DCS caseworkers are busy and turnover is high, which is why we stay on top of deadlines and gently remind everyone involved to keep your case moving forward. We work collaboratively with DCS to ensure your adoption stays on track.
Can I adopt if the biological parents haven't consented or been terminated?
Yes, it’s possible, though contested adoptions can be more complex and time-consuming. We’ve successfully represented many foster parents and kinship caregivers in these situations.
We offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and discuss the likelihood of success. If you decide to hire us, we’ll provide an honest estimate of attorney fees and work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for your family.
What if the biological parents consent but DCS doesn't?
This scenario is rare but not impossible. If the biological parents have consented but DCS opposes the adoption, you may still be able to move forward. These cases require careful evaluation and strategic legal planning.
We encourage you to schedule a consultation so we can review the specific facts of your situation. While we charge attorney fees for contested cases, the initial meeting is free unless you decide to retain our services.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Adopting your foster child is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll ever make. It’s a legal process, yes, but it’s also a celebration of love, commitment, and family.
At Berry & Domer, we’ve walked this path with hundreds of families, and each adoption hearing reminds us why we love what we do. We’d be honored to help your family too.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Berry & Domer
1451 W Arlington Road
Bloomington, Indiana 47404
Phone: (812) 336-8300 / cell (812) 322-6221
Email: michelle@berrydomerlaw.com
Let’s build your forever family together.