Family, Marriage and Adoption

Adoption law is ever-changing, but something that never changes is the pleasure of watching an individual or couple build a family through adoption -- and knowing that our legal efforts have achieved what biology could not.

KDDK family law attorneys are involved in all aspects of adoption. On occasion we represent either the couple who wishes to adopt, or the birthmother who is considering adoption for her baby.

We have experience in private (independent) adoptions which do not involve child placement agencies, but bring together prospective adoptive parents, a birthmother and her baby. In all cases, the best interest of the baby is kept at heart.

Private adoptions are court-supervised. The birthmother and adoptive parents are represented by separate legal counsel, and the process utilizes Indiana law to ensure an ethical and final adoption.

Step Parent and Relative Adoptions

Our attorneys also participate in step-parent adoptions and relative adoptions involving a child that is adopted by someone who is biologically related. A step-parent adoption occurs when a parent with sole custody of a child marries someone other than the birthfather or birthmother, and desires that the new spouse legally adopt the child. This proceeding terminates the parental rights, voluntarily or involuntarily, of the other
The links below provide information on issues commonly associated with adoption.

• Open Adoption

• Pre-Placement Investigation

• Termination of Parental Rights

• Interstate Adoptions

• Positive Adoption Language

• PAL Information

Dissolution of Marriage

Divorce brings about difficult and stressful circumstances. KDDK attorneys strive to give clients as much personal attention and security as possible during every phase of divorce proceedings.

Our family law attorneys work to achieve the best results possible for clients through settlement negotiations or if necessary, litigation. We are experienced in strategic asset and liability analysis, asset valuation, asset transfers and identifying the potential effects divorce can have on tax requirements.

KDDK attorneys are available to provide counsel on financial and property division matters, child custody, child support and visitation matters, and potential spousal support matters. Indiana law provides guidance on property division, appropriate child support and spousal maintenance. Most counties have local rules which supplement state family laws, particularly in the area of child visitation. Indiana law provides the presumption of an equal split of marital assets, though this presumption can be overcome by either party.