Indiana § 31-19-16-2 - Procedure
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-19-16-2 — Procedure, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-19-16-2. Procedure
Sec. 2. A court may grant postadoption contact privileges if:
(1) the court determines that the best interests of the child would be served by granting postadoption contact privileges;
(2) the child is at least twelve (12) months of age and the court finds that there is a significant emotional attachment between the child and the birth parent;
(3) each adoptive parent consents to the granting of postadoption contact privileges;
(4) the adoptive parents and the birth parents:
(A) execute a postadoption contact agreement; and
(B) file the agreement with the court;
(5) the licensed child placing agency sponsoring the adoption and the child's court appointed special advocate or guardian ad litem appointed under IC 31-32-3 recommends to the court the postadoption contact agreement, or if there is no licensed child placing agency sponsoring the adoption, the local office or other agency that prepared an adoption report under IC 31-19-8-5 is informed of the contents of the postadoption contact agreement and comments on the agreement in the agency's report to the court;
(6) consent to postadoption contact is obtained from the child if the child is at least twelve (12) years of age; and
(7) the postadoption contact agreement is approved by the court.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-13(b).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.196-1997, SEC.5; P.L.128-2012, SEC.57; P.L.116-2026, SEC.3; P.L.84-2026, SEC.6.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-19-16-2
What does Indiana Code § 31-19-16-2 cover?
Section 31-19-16-2 ("Procedure") 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 § 31-19-16-2?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-19-16-2" (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 § 31-19-16-2 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.