Indiana § 31-19-25-3 - Contact preference form; filing; duration; withdrawal; effect of consent
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-19-25-3 — Contact preference form; filing; duration; withdrawal; effect of consent, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-19-25-3. Contact preference form; filing; duration; withdrawal; effect of consent
Sec. 3. (a) A birth parent may restrict access to identifying information concerning the birth parent by filing a contact preference form with the state registrar that evidences the birth parent's lack of consent to the release of identifying information under this chapter.
(b) A person who arranges for the signing of a consent to adoption shall provide the birth parent with a contact preference form and the explanation described in IC 31-19-9-6.
(c) Except as provided in sections 15 and 17 of this chapter, the following persons may not release any identifying information concerning a birth parent to an individual requesting the release of identifying information under section 2 of this chapter if a contact preference form that evidences the birth parent's lack of consent to the release of identifying information is in effect at the time of the request for identifying information:
(1) The state registrar.
(2) The department.
(3) A local office.
(4) A licensed child placing agency.
(5) A professional health care provider.
(6) The attorney who arranged the adoption.
(7) A court.
(d) Except as provided in subsection (f), the contact preference form filed under this section remains in effect until the birth parent who filed the contact preference form files a new contact preference form.
(e) The contact preference form is no longer in effect if the birth parent consents in writing to the release of identifying information and has not withdrawn that consent.
(f) A contact preference form is no longer in effect if the birth parent who filed the contact preference form is deceased unless the contact preference form specifically states that the contact preference form remains in effect after the birth parent's death.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-4.5-4(a).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.261; P.L.58-2009, SEC.30; P.L.191-2011, SEC.43; P.L.128-2012, SEC.77; P.L.3-2016, SEC.14.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-19-25-3
What does Indiana Code § 31-19-25-3 cover?
Section 31-19-25-3 ("Contact preference form; filing; duration; withdrawal; effect of consent") 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 § 31-19-25-3?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-19-25-3" (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 § 31-19-25-3 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.