Indiana Adoption Laws, Page 6

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Regulation of Adoption Expenses

Birth Parent Expenses Allowed

• Attorney fees.
  
• Hospital and medical costs.
  
• Reasonable expenses for counseling.
  
• Travel and maternity clothes.
  
• Agency fees.
  
• Living expenses.
  
• Lost wages if leaving a job is made necessary by medical complications of the pregnancy.

Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed

Statute: § 35-46-1-9(b), (c)

• Compensation for lost wages shall be offset by living expenses paid and any unemployment compensation to which mother is entitled.
  
• Total expenses paid shall not exceed $3,000 unless approved by the court.
  
• Payment of living expenses shall not extend beyond 6 weeks after the birth.

Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption

Statute:

Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child

Statute: § 35-46-1-9(a)

• Except for expenses allowed, it is unlawful to transfer or receive property for waiving parental rights or consenting to adoption.

Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency

Statute: § 31-19-2-8

• The petitioner for adoption must attach to the petition an adoption history fee of $20 and a putative father registry fee of $50, payable to the Department of Health.

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court

Statute: § 35-46-1-9(c)

• All fees and expenses paid must be disclosed to the court supervising the adoption.
  

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)

Adoptions of Indiana

Preparation, Education & Support To Birth & Adoptive Families

http://adoptionsofindiana.org

Caring for Kids Adoptions

Serving birth parents & families in Ohio. Free services to birth parents.

http://www.cfkadopt.org

Adoption Directory

The Internet's largest directory of adoption agencies & professionals

adoptiondirectory.com