Indiana § 31-19-4-4 - Notice to unnamed putative father; form
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-19-4-4 — Notice to unnamed putative father; form, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-19-4-4. Notice to unnamed putative father; form
Sec. 4. Notice of the adoption proceeding required under section 3 of this chapter shall be given to an unnamed putative father in substantially the following form:
"NOTICE TO UNNAMED FATHER
The unnamed putative father of the child born to ______ (mother's name) on _____ (date), or the person who claims to be the father of the child born to _____ (mother's name) on _____ (date), is notified that a petition for adoption of the child was filed in the office of the clerk of _____ court, _____ (address of court).
If the unnamed putative father seeks to contest the adoption of the child, the unnamed putative father must file a motion to contest the adoption in accordance with IC 31-19-10-1 in the above named court within fifteen (15) days after the date of service of this notice. This notice may be served by publication.
If the unnamed putative father does not file a motion to contest the adoption within fifteen (15) days after service of this notice, the above named court shall hear and determine the petition for adoption. The unnamed putative father's consent is irrevocably implied and the unnamed putative father loses the right to contest the adoption or the validity of the unnamed putative father's implied consent to the adoption. The unnamed putative father loses the right to establish paternity of the child, by affidavit or otherwise, in Indiana or any other jurisdiction.
Nothing __________ (mother's name) or any one else says to the unnamed putative father of the child relieves the unnamed putative father of his obligations under this notice.
Under Indiana law, a putative father is a person who is named as or claims that he may be the father of a child born out of wedlock but who has not yet been legally proven to be the child's father.
This notice complies with IC 31-19-4-4 but does not exhaustively set forth the unnamed putative father's legal obligations under the Indiana adoption statutes. A person being served with this notice should consult the Indiana adoption statutes.".
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-6.1(f) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.200-1999, SEC.16; P.L.61-2003, SEC.7; P.L.21-2010, SEC.2; P.L.113-2017, SEC.2; P.L.244-2023, SEC.3.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-19-4-4
What does Indiana Code § 31-19-4-4 cover?
Section 31-19-4-4 ("Notice to unnamed putative father; form") 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 § 31-19-4-4?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-19-4-4" (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 § 31-19-4-4 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.