Courts open to cameras during National Adoption Day events
Courts in 24 counties across Indiana will be allowing families and the media to photograph and videotape adoption proceedings this month as part of the National Adoption Day celebration.
Adoption
Articles
Attorney reprimanded for handling of adoption case
The Indiana Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded a Hamilton County adoption attorney who failed to inform his clients that a birth mother they planned to adopt a baby from had chosen someone else to adopt her child.
COA: adoption consent not required from father convicted of Class C felony
In affirming the adoption of a child without the father’s consent, the Indiana Court of Appeals found the “plain and ordinary meaning” of the state statute allowed the trial court to take into account the parent’s prior criminal acts.
New law gives grandparents notice about adoptions
A new law requiring grandparents be notified of adoption petitions passed the General Assembly this year without a single vote in opposition and was signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb. That’s when the confusion began.
Mother’s consent to adoption not required, appeals court rules
A trial court properly determined that a mother’s consent was not required to the adoption of her child, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled, finding that even though she had a difficult year in which she had no communication with her child, the law requires her to continue to foster her parental relationship.
Supreme Court authorizes cameras in courtrooms for National Adoption Day
The Indiana Supreme Court has once again authorized the use of cameras and recording devices in Indiana’s courtrooms to celebrate National Adoption Day proceedings this fall.
COA recommends judge’s recusal in remand of motion to contest adoption
In a 41-page opinion handed down Thursday, the Indiana Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal of a putative father’s motion to contest adoption, finding that the adoptive parents had caused delays in the court proceedings and also noting that the judge in the case should have recused himself to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
COA: Mother denied right to counsel in adoption proceeding
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed a Johnson County adoption after finding the mother was denied due process when the adoption court found that she had waived her right to counsel.
European Court fines Russia for banning US adoptions
Europe's human rights court ruled Tuesday that Russia must pay damages and legal costs to Americans who were barred from adopting Russian children.
Adopt-A-Doll brings cuteness to courtroom
Most of the child-related cases heard in Clark Circuit Court No. 4 are grim. Judge Vicki Carmichael is accustomed to tales of neglect, abuse and troubled juveniles. Saturday’s court docket brought something entirely different — children with smiles on their faces clasping dolls and stuffed animals in front of the bench.
State Department assailed for new rules on foreign adoptions
The State Department, which oversees the adoption of foreign children by American families, is under fire from scores of adoption agencies for drafting new regulations that critics depict as overly rigid and potentially budget-busting.
Court abused discretion in letting public defender withdraw appearance
An attorney seeking a motion to withdraw appearance had to prove there was justification for his withdrawal and provide sufficient notice to the party he represented before the motion could be granted, the Indiana Court of Appeals found Thursday.
Marion County judge opens court for National Adoption Day
As Marion Superior Judge Steven Eichholtz read the order officially transitioning a girl’s grandmother to the new title of adoptive mother, 10-year-old Victoria Kaufman told the judge she couldn’t stop smiling.
Trial courts plan events to highlight, promote adoption
Twenty Indiana trial courts have planned events this month allowing cameras to document the placement of about 160 children with their adoptive parents.
COA affirms denial of foster parents’ petition for adoption
A set of foster parents do not have the right to adopt two children without their father’s consent despite the fact that the father does not have visitation with the children, the Indiana Court of Appeals found Friday.
Justices reinstate father’s parental rights
A trial court’s findings do not “clearly and convincingly support” its decision to terminate a father’s parental rights to his son based on it being in the best interests of the boy. In fact, the findings show that the father and son have a bond and often spend time together, the Indiana Supreme Court found Tuesday.
Appeals court reverses adoption petition
The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed an adoption petition after it found the adoptive mother did not participate in a sufficient background check and the court should have combined the adoption proceedings with a paternity hearing that was also occurring at the same time.
COA upholds adoption venue transfer
The Indiana Court of Appeals upheld transfer of an adoption petition from Greene to Monroe County Circuit Court, ruling Monroe was the preferred venue because of other cases related to the petition that also were happening there.
E-filing extends to confidential cases
Indiana courts announced that parties may now file electronically in confidential case types including adoption, child in need of services, termination of parental rights, and juvenile cases. The change took effect Monday.
High court voids Alabama ruling against lesbian adoption
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled Monday that Alabama's top court went too far when it tried to upend a lesbian mother's adoption of her partner's children.