How long does a parent have to be absent to lose rights in Indiana?

Asked by: Mr. Felton Padberg I  |  Last update: August 7, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (42 votes)

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-19-9-8(a)(1), the period of abandonment must last for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of a petition for adoption.

What are grounds for termination of parental rights in Indiana?

Murder or voluntary manslaughter of the child or a parent of the child. Aiding, inducing, causing another person, attempting, or conspiring with another person to commit murder or manslaughter. Felony battery, aggravated battery, criminal recklessness, or neglect of a dependent against a child.

What is considered parental abandonment in Indiana?

(1) A parent or parents if the child is adjudged to have been abandoned or deserted for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the date of the filing of the petition for adoption. (B) knowingly fails to provide for the care and support of the child when able to do so as required by law or judicial decree.

How long does a mother have to be absent to lose custody?

Generally, there needs to be a period of time during which the parent does not have any contact with the child and does not pay child support. In most states, the period of time is one year, but this varies.

How can a parent lose custody in Indiana?

A mother can lose custody rights for many reasons. Some of these reasons may include lack of involvement in the child's life, proof of drug or alcohol abuse, proof of domestic abuse, or proof that the mother has been discouraging the relationship between the child and their father.

Termination of Parental Rights in Indiana

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What is considered an unstable parent in Indiana?

If a parent doesn't have the income or stability to provide a safe, secure home for their children, they may not be fit to have custody. Unemployment, homelessness, and lifestyle issues such as substance abuse or gambling addictions could lead to this type of situation. Physical health issues.

What would make a mother lose custody of her child?

Child Abuse or Neglect

One of the most commonly occurring reasons why a parent might lose custody is a situation in which it is demonstrated that a custodial parent has been abusive or neglectful towards the child or children.

What happens when a parent refuses to co-parent?

A parent's failure or refusal to co-parent in California can sometimes lead to modification of a custody order, but in extreme cases, a parent can face involuntary termination of their parental rights.

What defines lost custody?

In family court, a judge may award joint or sole legal custody and joint or sole physical custody. Parenting time (also called visitation) may be equal or primarily to one parent. Losing custody generally means losing joint legal and/or physical custody. In addition, visitation may become limited or supervised.

How do I get full custody of an absent parent?

Consult with a family law attorney to draft a compelling petition for sole custody. State the absentee parent's prolonged absence as a significant change in circumstances. Emphasize the absentee parent's lack of involvement. How it is affecting the child's stability and well-being.

How long can a parent go without seeing their child in Indiana?

In the state of Indiana, a parent's rights to their child may be terminated if they have abandoned the child for a period of at least six (6) months. However, it's important to note that the court will consider many factors before terminating parental rights, and abandonment alone may not be enough.

What is an example of parental abandonment?

Additionally, a parent being incarcerated or deported can result in the involuntary abandonment of a child, even if the parent(s) did not voluntarily relinquish their parental role. Disownment of a child is a form of abandonment that entails ending contact with and support for one's dependent.

Can a mother keep a child from the father in Indiana?

The mother automatically has physical custody of a child born to unmarried parents, unless a court orders otherwise. Legal Custody identifies who will make major decisions about the child's education, health care, and religious training as well as who has access to the child's school and medical records.

How long does a father have to be absent to lose his rights in Idaho?

Failure of the parent to maintain this relationship without just cause for a period of one (1) year shall constitute prima facie evidence of abandonment under this section . . .

When can you deny visitation to the non-custodial parent in Indiana?

Under the state's custody laws, a noncustodial parent has the right to "reasonable parenting time" unless a judge has found that the parent might endanger the child, either by hurting the child's physical health or significantly impairing the child's emotional development. (Ind. Code § 31-17-4-1(a) (2023).)

How to win a termination of parental rights case?

Prioritizing the Child's Welfare

The court assesses the best interest of the child as the foremost matter. To win a termination of parental rights case, you must present clear and convincing evidence that shows a significant improvement in the child's welfare by severing the biological parent's rights is necessary.

What is the biggest mistake in custody battle?

The Most Common Mistakes Made in California Child Custody Cases. Failing to respond to a child custody case will not make the issue go away. Instead, it could lead to a default judgment. This means that whatever the other party is requesting will most likely be granted by the judge because you have not given any input.

Can keeping a child away from the other parent backfire?

Keeping a child away from the other parent can backfire in serious and permanent ways. If the other parent feels that the situation will not resolve itself, they have the legal right to bring the matter before the court to enforce the existing court order regarding the parenting plan and their visitation rights.

How to prove parental alienation?

How Do You Prove Parental Alienation is Occurring?
  1. Communication Records: ...
  2. Witness Statements: ...
  3. Visual Evidence: ...
  4. Professional Evaluations: ...
  5. Child Interviews: ...
  6. Social Media Evidence: ...
  7. Documentation of Denied Visitation: ...
  8. School and Medical Records:

What happens when a child refuses to go with a parent?

Sometimes, with older children who refuse visitation, it may not be considered the parent's fault if the visit didn't happen. But if a child continually refuses to follow the visitation schedule, regardless of the child's age, then a parent may decide to get the court involved through contempt proceedings.

How to prove bad co-parenting?

A: Useful evidence to prove parental alienation includes:
  1. Negative social media posts by your co-parent.
  2. Testimony from a professional, like a therapist or counselor, about changes in your child's behavior.
  3. Witnesses to your co-parent's fabrications or negative talk about you to your child.

What is considered harassment by a co-parent?

Harassment and insults: Your ex might cause you distress with harassment, which might include insults about your character or the way you choose to parent. Other harassing behavior might include constant texts or calls, screaming and other forms of intimidation, threats, and stalking.

What looks bad in a custody battle?

Bad-mouthing your ex-spouse or engaging in verbal or physical altercations with them in front of a judge looks bad. If your children are present, it looks even worse. Judges understand that tempers run high during custody cases, but lack of self-control will not reflect favorably.

Can a mother lose custody for lying?

Dishonesty Could Be a Factor in a Child Custody Case

In that case, the judge may use one parent's deceit as a factor in deciding to award custody to the other parent. If the other parent is lying, there is not much you can do other than stand up for yourself and prove they are not telling the truth.

What can stop a father from getting joint custody?

The situations that could prevent a parent from gaining shared legal custody are similar to the situations that could prevent them from gaining shared physical custody.
  • Ongoing drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Child abuse or neglect.
  • Domestic violence.
  • Mental health issues.
  • Jail time.
  • Relocation.