Whether you’re a hopeful parent looking to grow your family or an expecting mother considering adoption for your child, adoption is a life-changing decision. Adoption has many parts—legal, emotional, and financial—and having the right support can make all the difference in creating a positive experience for you and your family. With trusted guidance, you can approach the process with confidence. Here are some of the most important things to know before starting your adoption in Indiana.
1. Adoption Is Both Emotional and Legal
At its heart, adoption is about love, connection, and family. But it’s also a legal process that involves many, often complex, state and federal laws to protect everyone involved. Working with an adoption attorney plays a critical role in ensuring the process is ethical, compliant, and in the best interest of the child. Your attorney is there to answer questions, offer guidance, and ensure all legal paperwork and requirements are met. Having experienced legal support helps make the process smooth and gives everyone peace of mind.
2. There Are Different Types of Adoption
Adoption is not one-size-fits-all. In Indiana, families may pursue several types of adoption, including:
- Private Adoptions: When an expectant mother chooses to place her child with an adoptive family.
- Agency Adoptions: When an agency matches a family with a child for the expectant mother.
- Stepparent or Relative Adoption: When a family member or stepparent adopts a child already within their care.
- Foster-to-Adopt: When foster parents adopt children in their care, when reunification isn’t possible.
- Kinship Adoption: When extended family members, such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles, adopt a child to keep them within their biological family network.
- Contested Adoption: When one or more parties challenge the adoption, it often requires legal resolution to ensure the child’s best interests are protected.
Each type of adoption comes with unique steps, legal requirements, and emotional considerations. That’s why working with an experienced adoption attorney can provide the guidance and advocacy necessary to move forward with confidence.
3. Birth Mothers Have Choices and Support
For expectant mothers, choosing adoption is never an easy decision, but it comes with support and options. An adoption plan allows you to outline your wishes for your child, such as the type of family, location, or faith. You also have the opportunity to choose your preferred level of contact with the adoptive family after placement—this could look like regular communication, no communication, or somewhere in between.
Birth mothers in Indiana may also receive counseling and financial help with certain pregnancy-related expenses. Adoption gives mothers the ability to remain in control of the process while knowing their child will be cared for and loved.
4. Adoptive Families Go Through Careful Screening
For prospective adoptive parents, preparation and accountability are essential. Families must complete a thorough home study with a social worker to evaluate their readiness for adoption. A home study involves
background checks, interviews, and a home visit to ensure the child will be safe and loved. Beyond protection, the home study also helps prepare families for the unique joys and challenges of adoption, giving them the tools and perspective they need to succeed in parenthood.
5. Open Adoption Is Common—and Positive
Today, many adoptions are open adoptions, where birth parents and adoptive families agree to some form of ongoing connection. This may involve letters, photos, video calls, or even in-person visits. Open adoption helps children grow up with a clearer sense of identity and belonging, while also reassuring birth parents that their child is thriving. Adoptive families also benefit by celebrating their child’s story and creating meaningful relationships across both families.
Adoption Attorneys Provide Peace of Mind
The adoption journey is exciting and complex. An experienced adoption attorney ensures that everything is handled properly—contracts, parental rights, finalization, and legal compliance. With the right guidance, families and birth parents can focus on what matters most: their child.
Adoption is a beautiful way to grow a family and provide a child with love, stability, and opportunity. Whether you are exploring adoption as a hopeful parent or considering an adoption plan for your child, knowing the basics helps you feel informed and empowered. Herrin & Leach is here to provide compassionate, experienced guidance every step of the way. Reach out today for a free consultation to answer any questions you may have.