Terminating Parental Rights Through Adoption

In some cases, adoption is the most secure and responsible way to protect a child—particularly when a grandparent, step-parent, or other caregiver has stepped in to raise the child due to a parent’s absence, neglect, or inability to provide care.

 

When Can Parental Rights Be Terminated?

Indiana law allows parental rights to be terminated through the adoption process in cases involving:

• Prolonged failure to support the child financially
• Extended lack of communication or involvement
• Abandonment or other factors that demonstrate unfitness to parent

Termination does not have to apply to both parents. In many situations, only the uninvolved or unsafe parent’s rights are terminated, while the active parent or caregiver retains theirs. This helps prevent scenarios where a child could be removed from the only safe caregiver they’ve known—particularly in the event of the legal parent’s death.

We’ve handled several heartbreaking cases where, following the unexpected loss of the involved parent, the uninvolved parent appeared at the funeral and immediately took custody—despite having no recent relationship with the child. In two such cases, the children had no memory of that parent.

 

Legal Grounds & Process

Indiana Code 31-19-9-8 outlines the circumstances under which a parent’s consent may not be required for adoption. This statute allows caregivers to pursue adoption and termination of rights when justified by the facts. While these cases can be challenging, our firm has successfully handled them for over two decades.

 

How We Can Help

We will:

• Carefully review the facts of your situation
• Advise you on whether an adoption and termination action is appropriate under the law
• Guide you through each step with compassion, discretion, and legal precision
• Always focus on what’s best for the child’s long-term safety and stability

Consultations are always free unless you choose to retain our services.