Can a step-parent adopt without the biological father's consent in Indiana?

Can a step-parent adopt without the biological father’s consent in Indiana?

If the biological parent has made only token efforts to support or communicate with the child, the court may rule that the child has been “abandoned” and find that the consent from the biological parent is not required. The non-custodial biological parent will then be presented with an opportunity to consent. If they do not consent, they will be provided with notice of the adoption and have thirty days to file a motion to contest the adoption. If a motion to contest is not timely filed, the court will find that the parent’s consent to the adoption is irrevocably implied.

In Indiana, a step-parent can adopt a child without the biological father’s consent under certain circumstances. According to Indiana adoption law, no consent is necessary from the noncustodial biological parent if any of the following conditions apply:

The noncustodial parent has abandoned the child for more than six months.
The noncustodial parent fails to communicate significantly with the child when able to do so.
The noncustodial parent fails to provide for the care and support of the child when able to do so.

Indiana adoption law allows a stepparent to adopt a child without the noncustodial biological parent’s consent in certain situations. Consent is not needed if any of these four conditions are met: The noncustodial parent has abandoned the child for more than six months.

In Indiana, a step-parent can adopt without the biological father’s consent if the biological father has abandoned the child, failed to communicate significantly, or failed to provide financial support for at least a year. However, the court’s approval is required, and specific legal procedures must be followed.