Indiana § 31-19-2-13 - Temporary custody of adopted children

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-19-2-13 — Temporary custody of adopted children, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 31-19-2-13. Temporary custody of adopted children

Sec. 13. (a) Except for a child who is under the care and supervision of the department, a petitioner for adoption may file a separate, ex parte, verified petition requesting temporary custody of a child sought to be adopted at the time of or any time after the filing of a petition for adoption. The petition for temporary custody must be signed by each petitioner for adoption.

(b) A court may grant a petition for temporary custody filed under subsection (a) if the court finds that:

(1) the petition for adoption is in proper form; and

(2) placing the child with the petitioner or petitioners for adoption pending the hearing on the petition for adoption is in the best interests of the child.

(c) If temporary custody is granted under this section, the petitioner or petitioners for adoption are legally and financially responsible for the child until otherwise ordered by the court.

(d) To the extent that a temporary custody order issued under this section conflicts with a custody order issued by any other court except a court having appellate jurisdiction over the child, a temporary order under this section controls.

(e) A:

(1) party to the adoption; or

(2) person who had:

(A) custody of; or

(B) parenting time or visitation with;

the child before a temporary custody order was issued under this section;

may file a petition to suspend, modify, or revoke the temporary custody order granted under this section.

(f) Upon receipt of a petition described in subsection (e), the court shall set the matter for hearing.

(g) The court may suspend, modify, or revoke the temporary custody order if the court determines suspension, modification, or revocation of the temporary custody order is in the best interests of the child.

As added by P.L.61-2003, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.246; P.L.81-2014, SEC.1.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-19-2-13

What does Indiana Code § 31-19-2-13 cover?

Section 31-19-2-13 ("Temporary custody of adopted children") 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 § 31-19-2-13?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-19-2-13" (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 § 31-19-2-13 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.