Indiana § 31-35-1-4 - Petition; verification and contents
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-35-1-4 — Petition; verification and contents, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-35-1-4. Petition; verification and contents
Sec. 4. (a) If requested by the parents:
(1) the local office; or
(2) a licensed child placing agency;
may sign and file a verified petition with the juvenile or probate court for the voluntary termination of the parent-child relationship.
(b) The petition must:
(1) be entitled "In the Matter of the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of ______________, a child, and _____________, the child's parent (or parents)"; and
(2) allege that:
(A) the parents are the child's natural or adoptive parents;
(B) the parents, including the alleged or adjudicated father if the child was born out of wedlock:
(i) knowingly and voluntarily consent to the termination of the parent-child relationship; or
(ii) are not required to consent to the termination of the parent-child relationship under section 6(c) of this chapter;
(C) termination is in the child's best interest;
(D) the petitioner has developed a satisfactory plan of care and treatment for the child; and
(E) if the petitioner is a licensed child placing agency, that the termination is in furtherance of an adoption or other approved permanency plan.
(c) At the time the petitioner files the verified petition described in subsection (b) with the juvenile or probate court, the petitioner shall also file a:
(1) copy of the order approving the permanency plan under IC 31-34-21-7 for the child; or
(2) permanency plan for the child as described by IC 31-34-21-7.5.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-5-2(a) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.200-1999, SEC.25; P.L.146-2007, SEC.12; P.L.128-2012, SEC.170; P.L.42-2017, SEC.1; P.L.183-2017, SEC.53.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-35-1-4
What does Indiana Code § 31-35-1-4 cover?
Section 31-35-1-4 ("Petition; verification and contents") 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 § 31-35-1-4?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-35-1-4" (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 § 31-35-1-4 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.