Indiana § 31-19-10-1.4 - Basis for resolving contested adoption
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-19-10-1.4 — Basis for resolving contested adoption, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-19-10-1.4. Basis for resolving contested adoption
Sec. 1.4. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a court, in making a determination under section 1.2(e) of this chapter, shall consider all relevant evidence, but may not base its determination solely on a finding that a:
(1) petitioner for adoption would be a better parent for a child than the parent who filed the motion to contest the adoption; or
(2) parent has a biological link to the child sought to be adopted.
(b) If a petition for adoption alleges that a parent's consent to the adoption is unnecessary under IC 31-19-9-8(a)(1) or IC 31-19-9-8(a)(2) and the parent files a motion to contest the adoption under section 1 of this chapter, the court may consider:
(1) the parent's substance abuse;
(2) the parent's voluntary unemployment; or
(3) instability of the parent's household caused by a family or household member of the parent;
as justifiable cause for the parent's abandonment or desertion of the child as described in IC 31-19-9-8(a)(1), failure to communicate significantly with the child as described in IC 31-19-9-8(a)(2)(A), or failure to provide for the care and support of the child as described in IC 31-19-9-8(a)(2)(B), if the parent has made substantial and continuing progress in remedying the factors in subdivisions (1), (2), and (3), and it appears reasonably likely that progress will continue.
As added by P.L.61-2003, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.203-2021, SEC.21.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-19-10-1.4
What does Indiana Code § 31-19-10-1.4 cover?
Section 31-19-10-1.4 ("Basis for resolving contested adoption") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 31-19-10-1.4?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-19-10-1.4" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 31-19-10-1.4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.