As a grandparent, you might find yourself in a position where you are the best possible caretaker for your grandchild. Perhaps the child already lives with you a majority of the time and you are ready to make the arrangement official.
Moving forward with adoption in Indiana requires you to abide by procedures that exist to protect a child’s best interests. Once you know what to expect when adopting a grandchild, you will be able to confidently make the best decisions for your family.
When can a grandparent legally adopt their grandchild?
Under normal circumstances, adoption requires the consent of a child’s biological parents. You can also make a case for adoption if the parents pass away, are negligent or are generally unfit to care for their children. If the situation calls for adoption and you can provide evidence of a meaningful relationship with your grandchild, the standard adoption legal process may take place.
What happens when a grandparent adopts their grandchild?
It is important to understand that even in the case of a mutually-agreeable private adoption, the original parents’ guardianship rights will terminate. As the adopting grandparent, you will become the full legal guardian and receive authority to make important decisions regarding medical care, education, and other matters.
Adopting your grandchild is not a decision to make lightly. If the child’s original parents support the idea of adoption, you should still consider how this major shift will affect your family. In some cases, though, taking over as the primary guardian of your grandchild might be the necessary choice for the sake of their well-being.