reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1. Domestic Relations Courts; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-1-8. Petition Invoking Jurisdiction for Reconciliation or Amicable Settlement

Sec. 8. Before the filing of an action for dissolution of marriage, annulment, separation, child support, or paternity, either spouse or both spouses may file in the domestic relations court a petition invoking the jurisdiction of the court for:
(1) the purpose of preserving the marriage by effecting a reconciliation between the parties; or
(2) the amicable settlement of the controversy between the spouses so as to avoid further litigation over the issue involved.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-11 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.197-1997, SEC.5.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1. Domestic Relations Courts; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-1-9. Appointment of Referees, Counselors, Assistants, and Clerks; Compensation; Expenses

Sec. 9. (a) In each of the judicial circuits in which this chapter applies, judges of the superior and circuit courts may appoint one (1) or more professionally qualified domestic relations:
(1) referees;
(2) counselors;
(3) assistants; and
(4) clerks;
as are considered necessary to serve at the pleasure of the appointing judge.
(b) The appointing judge shall fix the compensation and expense of the personnel appointed under this chapter, which shall be paid out of the county general fund.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-5.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1. Domestic Relations Courts; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-1-10. Referee's Duties

Sec. 10. A domestic relations referee shall perform such duties as the judge of the domestic relations court assigns to the referee.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-6 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1. Domestic Relations Courts; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-1-11. Counselor's Duties

Sec. 11. A domestic relations counselor shall, when directed by the judge of any domestic relations court, perform the following duties in domestic relations cases and such other duties as the judge of the domestic relations court assigns to the counselor:
(1) The domestic relations counselor shall promptly receive all requests for counseling services for the purpose of disposing of the requests under this chapter.
(2) Whenever a petition is filed and either party requests counseling, the domestic relations counselor shall, in the counselor's discretion:
(A) interview and counsel each plaintiff and, if feasible and desirable, each defendant; or
(B) confer with both jointly;
for the purpose of reconciling the differences between the parties and making recommendations to the judge of the domestic relations court.
(3) In each case assigned to the domestic relations court in which the custody, support, or welfare of a child is involved, in order to protect and conserve the interest of the child, the domestic relations counselor shall investigate and report upon:
(A) the status and condition of the parties to the cause;
(B) the status and condition of the child;
(C) the provisions made or to be made for the protection of the welfare of the child; and
(D) any other matter pertaining to the marriage that may affect the welfare of the child.
(4) Upon request of the domestic relations court judge, the counselor shall:
(A) make post-dissolution studies of problems arising in connection with child custody, support, and parenting time;
(B) provide assistance to the parties in the enforcement of support orders; and
(C) cause reports to be made and statistics to be compiled, which records and reports shall be kept as the judge of the domestic relations court may direct.
(5) The counselor shall provide such supervision in connection with the exercise of the jurisdiction of the domestic relations court as the judge may order.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-6 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1. Domestic Relations Courts; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-1-12. Director of Domestic Relations Counseling

Sec. 12. The judge of a domestic relations court may appoint from among the domestic relations counselors one (1) counselor to act as director of domestic relations counseling. The director shall:
(1) be responsible for receiving all applications and assignments for counseling under the order of the court and assign the applications to domestic relations counselors for further counseling and proceedings under this chapter;
(2) cause reports to be made, statistics to be filed, and records to be kept as the judge of the domestic relations court directs; and
(3) act in a supervisory capacity to all other domestic relations counselors so that the counselors promptly and properly act upon all requests for counseling service.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-7.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1. Domestic Relations Courts; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-1-13. Counseling Service Not Condonation of Acts Constituting Grounds for Dissolution of Marriage

Sec. 13. The:
(1) use of counseling service provided under this chapter; and
(2) action taken that has been recommended by the domestic relations counselor;
is not condonation on the part of either spouse of acts that may constitute grounds for dissolution of the marriage.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-8.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1. Domestic Relations Courts; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-1-14. Private Counseling Proceedings; Confidential Communications

Sec. 14. (a) All counseling:
(1) proceedings;
(2) interviews; and
(3) conferences;
shall be held in private.
(b) All communications, verbal or written, and any record made as a result of the communications from the parties to the judge, the domestic relations counselor, or other person designated or recommended under this chapter in a counseling or conciliation proceeding:
(1) are considered to be made in confidence; and
(2) are not admissible and may not be used for any purpose in:
(A) any divorce or dissolution of marriage hearing; or
(B) any other proceeding.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-9.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1. Domestic Relations Courts; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-1-15. Setting Cause for Hearing

Sec. 15. If after a reasonable time it appears that the use of counseling services under this chapter is not effective, the court shall, upon application of either party, set the cause for hearing on the court's trial docket.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-13.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1. Domestic Relations Courts; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-1-16. Court of Record

Sec. 16. (a) This section does not apply to counseling proceedings, interviews, conferences, and communications that are confidential under section 14 of this chapter.
(b) A domestic relations court established under this chapter is a court of record and all proceedings in the court must be of record.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-23-12.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1.5. Other Domestic Relations Courts › 31-12-1.5-1. Determination of Necessity to Establish Court

Sec. 1. (a) This chapter applies in a judicial circuit in which a majority of the judges of the circuit and superior courts determine that:
(1) the social conditions of the county; and
(2) the number of domestic relations cases in the courts;
make the procedures described in IC 31-12-1 necessary for the full and proper consideration of domestic relations cases.
(b) The judges shall make the determination described in subsection (a) annually in January.
As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.2.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1.5. Other Domestic Relations Courts › 31-12-1.5-2. Designation of Judges; Sessions of Court

Sec. 2. If the judges of a judicial circuit make the determination described in section 1 of this chapter, the judges shall designate by joint order one (1) or more of the judges in the judicial circuit to hear cases under this chapter. A judge designated under this section may hold as many sessions each week as are necessary for the prompt disposition of the court's business.
As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.2.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1.5. Other Domestic Relations Courts › 31-12-1.5-3. Designation of Court

Sec. 3. A court exercising the jurisdiction described in section 2 of this chapter may be designated as a domestic relations court.
As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.2.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1.5. Other Domestic Relations Courts › 31-12-1.5-4. Jurisdiction; Supplemental Powers

Sec. 4. A court designated as a domestic relations court under section 3 of this chapter has the jurisdiction and special powers described in IC 31-12-1-4. A court designated as a domestic relations court under this chapter, IC 31-12-1, or IC 31-12-2 retains jurisdiction to hear any type of case the court had jurisdiction to hear before the court was designated as a domestic relations court.
As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.2.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1.5. Other Domestic Relations Courts › 31-12-1.5-5. Absence or Inability of Judge to Perform Duties; Appointment of Substitute

Sec. 5. (a) If a judge appointed to act as judge of the domestic relations court is:
(1) on vacation;
(2) absent; or
(3) for any reason unable to perform the judge's duties;
a majority of the judges of the superior and circuit courts may appoint another of the judges to act as judge of the domestic relations court during that period.
(b) A judge appointed under subsection (a) has all the powers and authority of the regularly presiding judge of the domestic relations court.
As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.2.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1.5. Other Domestic Relations Courts › 31-12-1.5-6. Application of Domestic Relations Courts Provisions

Sec. 6. IC 31-12-1-6 through IC 31-12-1-16 apply to a domestic relations court established under this chapter.
As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.2.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 1.5. Other Domestic Relations Courts › 31-12-1.5-7. Domestic Relations Counseling Appointments

Sec. 7. (a) The judges of the circuit and superior courts may appoint:
(1) a director of domestic relations counseling; or
(2) at least one (1) counselor under this chapter or under IC 31-12-1.
(b) A counselor described in subsection (a)(2) or the organization led by the director described in subsection (a)(1) is designated as a domestic relations counseling bureau.
As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.2.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-1. Application of Law

Sec. 1. This chapter applies only to the following:
(1) A judicial circuit in which there is located a consolidated city and the judges of the superior court and the judge of the circuit court determine that the social conditions in the county and the number of domestic relations cases in the courts make the procedures provided under this chapter necessary for the full and proper consideration of the cases and the effectuation of the purposes of this chapter.
(2) A county having a population of more than four hundred thousand (400,000) and less than seven hundred thousand (700,000) in which the judge of the circuit court determines that the social conditions in the county and the number of domestic relations cases in the county's courts make the procedures provided under this chapter necessary for the full and proper consideration of the cases and the effectuation of the purposes of this chapter.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-1.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.11-2023, SEC.97.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-2. Creation

Sec. 2. For:
(1) any judicial circuit in which there is located a consolidated city, the judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter may establish a bureau of the courts; and
(2) a county having a population of more than four hundred thousand (400,000) and less than seven hundred thousand (700,000), the judge of the circuit court may establish a bureau of the court;
known as the "Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau".
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-2.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.11-2023, SEC.98.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-3. Order Compelling Party to Cooperate in Counseling Services

Sec. 3. A judge may order either or both parties in a domestic relations proceeding to:
(1) report to the domestic relations bureau;
(2) cooperate in counseling; and
(3) furnish the counselor with pertinent information in a party's knowledge.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-5 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-4. Actions and Proceedings in Which Counseling Services Shall Be Provided; Referrals

Sec. 4. (a) A domestic relations counseling bureau shall provide counseling service to the parties in separation, dissolution, or annulment actions, including enforcement, modification, and post-decree proceedings that are:
(1) filed in a court; and
(2) referred to the bureau by a judge with the intent to assist in a reconciliation of the parties, in the care and treatment of children, if any, and in the possible solution of any marriage problems or issues in a proceeding, in promotion of the general welfare.
(b) The bureau may receive cases referred to the bureau by attorneys at law, the ministry, or other agencies before a divorce action is filed, and counsel other married couples who seek the bureau's services of their own volition.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-3.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-5. Appointment of Referees, Counselors, Assistants, Clerks, and Other Personnel; Compensation; Expenses

Sec. 5. (a) The judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter and the judge described in section 1(2) of this chapter may appoint:
(1) one (1) or more professionally qualified domestic relations referees, counselors, and other necessary personnel, including a full-time director; and
(2) necessary assistants and clerks;
to serve during the pleasure of the appointing judge to staff the domestic relations counseling bureau.
(b) The appointing judge shall fix the compensation and expenses of the personnel appointed under this chapter, which shall be paid out of the county general fund.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-4.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-6. Duties of Bureau

Sec. 6. The domestic relations counseling bureau shall perform the following duties in domestic relations cases and such other duties as the judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter, the judge described in section 1(2) of this chapter, or a magistrate assigns to the domestic relations counseling bureau:
(1) The domestic relations counseling bureau shall promptly receive all requests for counseling services for the purpose of disposing of the requests under this chapter.
(2) Whenever a proceeding is initiated and either party requests counseling or mediation, the domestic relations counseling bureau shall, in the bureau's discretion, interview and counsel each party or confer with both parties jointly for the purpose of reconciling the differences between the parties and making recommendations to the judge of any court upon referral.
(3) In each case assigned to the bureau in which the custody, support, or welfare of a child is involved, to protect and conserve the interest of the child, the domestic relations counseling bureau shall investigate and report upon:
(A) the status and condition of the parties to the cause;
(B) the status and condition of the child;
(C) the provisions made or to be made for the protection of the welfare of the child; and
(D) any other matter pertaining to the marriage that may affect the welfare of the child.
(4) Upon order of the judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter or the judge described in section 1(2) of this chapter, the domestic relations counseling bureau shall:
(A) make post-divorce studies of problems arising in connection with child custody, support, and parenting time;
(B) provide assistance to the parties in the enforcement of support orders; and
(C) cause reports to be made and statistics to be compiled, which records and reports shall be kept as the judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter or the judge described in section 1(2) of this chapter directs.
(5) The domestic relations counseling bureau shall provide supervision in connection with referred cases or other cases as the judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter or the judge described in section 1(2) of this chapter may order.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-5 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.10.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-7. Counseling Service Not Condonation of Acts Constituting Grounds for Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage

Sec. 7. The:
(1) use of counseling service provided under this chapter; and
(2) action taken that has been recommended by the domestic relations counselor;
is not condonation on the part of either spouse of acts that may constitute grounds for divorce or dissolution of the marriage.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-6.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-8. Private Counseling Proceedings; Confidential Communications

Sec. 8. (a) All counseling:
(1) proceedings;
(2) interviews; and
(3) conferences;
shall be held in private.
(b) All communications, verbal or written, and any record made as a result of the communications from the parties to the judge, the domestic relations counselor, or other person designated or recommended under this chapter in a counseling or conciliation proceeding:
(1) are considered to be made in confidence; and
(2) are not admissible and may not be used for any purpose in:
(A) any divorce or dissolution of marriage hearing; or
(B) any other proceeding.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-7.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-9. Majority Decision of Judges

Sec. 9. The judges in carrying out this chapter must act by a majority of all their number.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-8 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-10. Rules; Special Orders

Sec. 10. The judges described in section 1(1) of this chapter and the judge described in section 1(2) of this chapter shall establish uniform rules if applicable and may make special orders and rules as necessary.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-8 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-11. Gifts and Donations

Sec. 11. The domestic relations counseling bureau may receive gifts and donations from private sources under approval of the judges or the judge to supplement the bureau's budget.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-9 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 2. Establishment of Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in Certain Counties; Provision of Counseling Services › 31-12-2-12. Incorporation of Records and Property of Marriage Counseling Service Into Bureau's Service

Sec. 12. In a circuit or county that has a marriage counseling service paid for by private money and supervised by a court, the domestic relations counseling bureau may receive all records and property of the existing service and incorporate the records and property into the bureau's service.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-24-9 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 3. Family Relations Division of Court › 31-12-3-1. Establishment

Sec. 1. Any court that exercises jurisdiction over domestic relations cases may establish a family relations division of the court.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-19 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 3. Family Relations Division of Court › 31-12-3-2. Persons Authorized to Administer Division

Sec. 2. The family relations division may be administered by:
(1) the community mental health center;
(2) a managed care provider (as defined in IC 12-7-2-127(b)); or
(3) any other person approved by the court.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-19 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 3. Family Relations Division of Court › 31-12-3-3. Services Offered by Division; Conciliation Procedures

Sec. 3. The family relations division shall offer counseling and related services to persons before the court. Conciliation procedures are governed by IC 31-15-9.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-19 part; part new.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.4.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 4. Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau Fee › 31-12-4-1. Fees; Domestic Relations Counseling Services

Sec. 1. (a) Upon order of a judge or group of judges described in IC 31-12-1, IC 31-12-1.5, or IC 31-12-2, and in accordance with this chapter, a court that provides domestic relations counseling services may charge a fee for these services.
(b) In addition to any other domestic relations counseling services ordered by the court, a domestic relations counseling bureau may provide the following domestic relations counseling services:
(1) Screening.
(2) Investigation.
(3) Reporting.
(4) Evaluation.
(5) Counseling.
(6) Mediation.
As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.3.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 4. Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau Fee › 31-12-4-2. Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau Fund

Sec. 2. (a) If a judge or group of judges issues an order under section 1 of this chapter to charge a domestic relations counseling fee, the judge must also adopt by court rule a schedule of fees. The schedule of fees is not effective until approved by the county fiscal body in accordance with this chapter.
(b) Upon request of a judge or group of judges that issued an order under section 1 of this chapter, the county fiscal body may adopt an ordinance to create a county domestic relations counseling bureau fund to fund the services of a domestic relations court and a domestic relations counseling bureau.
(c) If the county fiscal body creates a domestic relations counseling bureau fund, any fees collected by the domestic relations counseling bureau shall be deposited in the fund.
(d) The fund shall be administered by the judge or group of judges who are signatories to the order described in section 1 of this chapter.
(e) The expenses of administering the fund shall be paid from the money in the fund.
(f) Any money in the fund at the end of a fiscal year does not revert to the county general fund.
(g) The county fiscal body may appropriate money from the domestic relations counseling bureau fund to support the domestic relations counseling bureau. However, a county fiscal body may not transfer funds that have been previously appropriated to the budget of the domestic relations counseling bureau as a consequence of an appropriation from the domestic relations counseling bureau fund.
As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.3.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 12. Family Law: Domestic Relations Courts › Chapter 4. Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau Fee › 31-12-4-3. Gifts and Donations

Sec. 3. With the prior approval of the judge or group of judges described in IC 31-12-1, IC 31-12-1.5, or IC 31-12-2, a domestic relations counseling bureau may receive gifts and donations from a private source to supplement the budget of the domestic relations counseling bureau.
As added by P.L.80-2006, SEC.3.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 13. Family Law: Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 1. Children of Void or Voidable Marriages › 31-13-1-1. Parties to Marriage More Closely Related Than Second Cousins

Sec. 1. If a marriage is void because the parties to the marriage are more closely related than second cousins, the children of the marriage shall be treated as if the children are children of a marriage that is not void.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-8-1.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.5.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 13. Family Law: Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 1. Children of Void or Voidable Marriages › 31-13-1-2. Bigamous Marriages

Sec. 2. If:
(1) a marriage is void because either of the parties to the marriage has a living husband or wife; and
(2) either of the parties to the marriage did not reasonably believe that either of the parties had a living husband or wife;
the children of the marriage shall be treated as if the children are children of a marriage that is not void if the children were conceived before the discovery that a party to the marriage had a living husband or wife.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-8-2.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.5.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 13. Family Law: Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 1. Children of Void or Voidable Marriages › 31-13-1-3. Child of Annulled Marriage

Sec. 3. A child of a marriage that is annulled under IC 31-11-10 (or IC 31-7-7 before its repeal) is considered to be a child of a valid marriage if the child is conceived before the marriage is annulled.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-8-5.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.5.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 13. Family Law: Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 2. Children Born Out of Wedlock › 31-13-2-1. Petition to Establish Whether Child Was Born in Wedlock; Notice; Hearing; Determination; Review

Sec. 1. (a) A person interested in establishing whether a child was born in wedlock may file a petition to maintain an action to determine whether the child was born in wedlock. The petition must:
(1) be filed in the circuit or superior court of a county in which either of the parties to the marriage resides;
(2) set forth the facts concerning the child's birth; and
(3) name as defendants in the action all persons interested in the question of whether the child was born in wedlock.
The petitioner shall give the persons described in subdivision (3) notice in accordance with IC 31-16-2-5.
(b) The court shall hold a hearing on the petition filed under subsection (a) and shall make a determination on the question of whether the child was born in wedlock.
(c) An appeal of the court's determination under subsection (b) may be taken to the supreme court. An appeal taken under this subsection is governed by the same rules that apply to other civil actions that are appealed.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-8-3.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.5.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 13. Family Law: Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 2. Children Born Out of Wedlock › 31-13-2-2. Finality of Determination; Subsequent Review on Petition of Defendant Less Than 18 Years of Age at Time of Determination

Sec. 2. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a final determination made under section 1 of this chapter (or IC 31-7-8-3 before its repeal) is conclusive among the parties to the action and among persons who make claims under parties to the action.
(b) A defendant who was less than eighteen (18) years of age at the time the determination under section 1 of this chapter (or IC 31-7-8-3 before its repeal) became final may petition the circuit or superior court in which the original action was taken to review the determination. This petition must be filed before the individual becomes nineteen (19) years of age.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-8-4.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.5.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 13. Family Law: Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 2. Children Born Out of Wedlock › 31-13-2-3. Child of Common Law Marriage Consummated Before January 2, 1958

Sec. 3. A child of a common law marriage that was consummated before January 2, 1958, is considered to be a child of a valid marriage.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-7-8-6.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.5.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 13. Family Law: Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 3. Termination of Parent-Child Relationship › 31-13-3-1. Law Governing Termination

Sec. 1. The termination of a parent-child relationship is governed by IC 31-35.
[1997 Recodification Citation: New.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.5.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 1. General Provisions › 31-14-1-1. Public Policy Regarding Establishment of Paternity

Sec. 1. The general assembly favors the public policy of establishing paternity under this article of a child born out of wedlock.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-1.5.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 1. General Provisions › 31-14-1-2. Legalization of Certain Paternity and Related Orders

Sec. 2. A determination of paternity or related order that:
(1) was issued before May 1, 1989;
(2) was issued five (5) or more months after the father's death; and
(3) resulted from a civil proceeding for the establishment of paternity that was filed in accordance with IC 31-6-6.1-6 (before its repeal, now codified at IC 31-14-5 and IC 31-14-11):
(A) during the father's lifetime; or
(B) within five (5) months after the father's death;
is legalized and validated to the same extent as if the determination of paternity or related order had been issued during the father's lifetime or within five (5) months after the father's death.
As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.494.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 1.5. Security to Secure Child Support, Custody, and Parenting Time Rights › 31-14-1.5-1. Bonds; Requirements

Sec. 1. A bond required under this article to secure the obligation of child support, enforcement of a custody order, or enforcement of a parenting time order must:
(1) be in writing; and
(2) be secured by:
(A) at least one (1) resident freehold surety; or
(B) a commercial insurance company.
As added by P.L.171-2001, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.11.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 1.5. Security to Secure Child Support, Custody, and Parenting Time Rights › 31-14-1.5-3. Forfeiture; Use of Proceeds

Sec. 3. Upon forfeiture, the proceeds of the security, a bond, or other guarantee ordered to secure the obligation of child support, enforcement of a custody order, or enforcement of a parenting time order under this article may only be used to:
(1) reimburse the nonviolating party for actual costs or damages incurred in upholding the court's order;
(2) locate and return the child to the residence as set forth in the court's order, if the security, bond, or guarantee covers custody or parenting time, or both; or
(3) reimburse reasonable fees and court costs to the court appointed trustee.
As added by P.L.171-2001, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.13.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 1.5. Security to Secure Child Support, Custody, and Parenting Time Rights › 31-14-1.5-4. Forfeiture; Excess Proceeds

Sec. 4. Upon forfeiture, the proceeds of the security, a bond, or other guarantee ordered to secure the obligation of child support, enforcement of a custody order, or enforcement of a parenting time order under this article that are not applied to the expenses described in section 3 of this chapter must be applied toward:
(1) the child's postsecondary education; or
(2) the support and maintenance of the child.
As added by P.L.171-2001, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.68-2005, SEC.14; P.L.2-2007, SEC.357.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 2. Methods of Establishing Paternity › 31-14-2-1. Exclusive Methods of Establishing Paternity

Sec. 1. A man's paternity may only be established:
(1) in an action under this article; or
(2) by executing a paternity affidavit in accordance with IC 16-37-2-2.1.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-9(b) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 3. Rules of Procedure in Paternity Actions › 31-14-3-1. Application of Indiana Rules of Civil Procedure

Sec. 1. The Indiana Rules of Civil Procedure apply to paternity actions.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-19.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 3. Rules of Procedure in Paternity Actions › 31-14-3-2. Venue

Sec. 2. Venue lies in the county in which the child, the mother, or the alleged father resides.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-4.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 4. Parties Entitled to File Paternity Action › 31-14-4-1. Persons Permitted to File Action

Sec. 1. A paternity action may be filed by the following persons:
(1) The mother or expectant mother.
(2) A man alleging that:
(A) he is the child's biological father; or
(B) he is the expectant father of an unborn child.
(3) The mother and a man alleging that he is her child's biological father, filing jointly.
(4) The expectant mother and a man alleging that he is the biological father of her unborn child, filing jointly.
(5) A child.
(6) If paternity of a child has not been established, the department by filing an action under this article for a child who is the subject of a child in need of services proceeding.
(7) If the paternity of a child has not been established:
(A) the department; or
(B) a prosecuting attorney operating under an agreement or contract with the department described in IC 31-25-4-13.1.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-2(a) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.220; P.L.206-2015, SEC.44; P.L.150-2018, SEC.13.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 4. Parties Entitled to File Paternity Action › 31-14-4-2. Repealed

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-3.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.103-1997, SEC.2; P.L.145-2006, SEC.221. Repealed by P.L.206-2015, SEC.45.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 4. Parties Entitled to File Paternity Action › 31-14-4-3. Department or Prosecuting Attorney Permitted to File Action

Sec. 3. (a) The department or a prosecuting attorney operating under an agreement or contract described in IC 31-25-4-13.1, may file a paternity action as next friend of the child if:
(1) the mother;
(2) the person with whom the child resides;
(3) the department; or
(4) the alleged father;
has executed an assignment of support rights or applied for IV-D services under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669) and IC 31-25-4-19.
(b) A filing under subsection (a) by the department or prosecuting attorney must be made within the period that would apply if the child were filing on the child's own behalf under IC 31-14-5-2.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-2(b).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.222; P.L.206-2015, SEC.46; P.L.55-2022, SEC.3.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 5. Filing of Paternity Action; Limitations › 31-14-5-1. Verification of Petition; Caption

Sec. 1. Each petition in a paternity action must:
(1) be verified; and
(2) be captioned "In the Matter of the Paternity of ________".
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-5.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 5. Filing of Paternity Action; Limitations › 31-14-5-2. Petition by Minors and Incompetent Persons; Time for Filing Petition; Tolling of Limitations During Period of Incompetency

Sec. 2. (a) A person less than eighteen (18) years of age may file a petition if the person is competent except for the person's age. A person who is otherwise incompetent may file a petition through the person's guardian, guardian ad litem, or next friend.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), a child may file a paternity petition at any time before the child reaches twenty (20) years of age.
(c) If a child is incompetent on the child's eighteenth birthday, the child may file a petition not later than two (2) years after the child becomes competent.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citations: 31-6-6.1-2(a) part; 31-6-6.1-6(b).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 5. Filing of Paternity Action; Limitations › 31-14-5-3. Time for Filing Action

Sec. 3. (a) This section does not apply to an action filed by the department or its agents under section 4 of this chapter (or IC 31-6-6.1-6(c) before its repeal).
(b) The mother, a man alleging to be the child's father, or the department or its agents must file a paternity action not later than two (2) years after the child is born, unless:
(1) both the mother and the alleged father waive the limitation on actions and file jointly;
(2) support has been furnished by the alleged father or by a person acting on his behalf, either voluntarily or under an agreement with:
(A) the mother;
(B) a person acting on the mother's behalf; or
(C) a person acting on the child's behalf;
(3) the mother, the department, or a prosecuting attorney operating under an agreement or contract described in IC 31-25-4-13.1 files a petition after the alleged father has acknowledged in writing that he is the child's biological father;
(4) the alleged father files a petition after the mother has acknowledged in writing that he is the child's biological father;
(5) the petitioner was incompetent at the time the child was born; or
(6) a responding party cannot be served with summons during the two (2) year period.
(c) If any of the conditions described in subsection (b) exist, the paternity petition must be filed not later than two (2) years after the condition described in subsection (b) ceases to exist.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-6(a).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.223; P.L.206-2015, SEC.47.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 5. Filing of Paternity Action; Limitations › 31-14-5-4. Action by Division or County Office of Family and Children Furnishing Public Assistance; Time for Filing Action

Sec. 4. If:
(1) public assistance has been furnished for the child by the division of family resources; and
(2) an assignment of support rights under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669) has been executed on behalf of the child;
the division of family resources or the county office of family and children may file an action before the child becomes nineteen (19) years of age or graduates from high school, whichever occurs first.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-6(c).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.224.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 5. Filing of Paternity Action; Limitations › 31-14-5-5. Action to Be Filed During Lifetime or Within Five Months of Death of Alleged Father

Sec. 5. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an action must be filed:
(1) during the lifetime of the alleged father; or
(2) not later than five (5) months after his death.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-6(d).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 5. Filing of Paternity Action; Limitations › 31-14-5-6. Necessary Parties

Sec. 6. The child, the child's mother, and each person alleged to be the father are necessary parties to each action.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-2(c).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 5. Filing of Paternity Action; Limitations › 31-14-5-7. Registration With Putative Father Registry

Sec. 7. A man who files or is a party to a paternity action shall register with the putative father registry under IC 31-19-5.
[1997 Recodification Citation: New.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 5. Filing of Paternity Action; Limitations › 31-14-5-8. Action Not Barred by Child's Death or Stillbirth or Mother's Death

Sec. 8. An action not otherwise barred is not barred by:
(1) the death or stillbirth of the child; or
(2) the death of the mother.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-6(g).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 5. Filing of Paternity Action; Limitations › 31-14-5-9. Barred From Establishing Paternity

Sec. 9. A man who is barred under IC 31-19 from establishing paternity may not establish paternity by:
(1) filing a paternity action as next friend of a child; or
(2) requesting a prosecuting attorney to file a paternity action.
As added by P.L.21-2010, SEC.1.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 6. Blood Testing in Paternity Actions › 31-14-6-0.1. Effect of Certain Amendments to Chapter on Certain Court Orders

Sec. 0.1. The amendments made to section 4 of this chapter by P.L.44-2003 do not negate a court order entered before July 1, 2003, requiring an individual found to be the biological father of a child to reimburse the state or a political subdivision for the costs of genetic testing.
As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.495.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 6. Blood Testing in Paternity Actions › 31-14-6-1. Blood or Genetic Testing

Sec. 1. Upon the motion of any party, the court shall order all of the parties to a paternity action to undergo blood or genetic testing. A qualified expert approved by the court shall perform the tests.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-8(a).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 6. Blood Testing in Paternity Actions › 31-14-6-2. Objections and Admissibility

Sec. 2. A party may object to the admissibility of genetic test results obtained under section 1 of this chapter (or IC 31-6-6.1-8(a) before its repeal) if the party files a written objection at least thirty (30) days before a scheduled hearing at which the test results may be offered as evidence. If a party does not file an objection under this section (or IC 31-6-6.1-8(b) before its repeal), the test results are admissible as evidence of paternity without the necessity of:
(1) foundation testimony; or
(2) other proof;
regarding the accuracy of the test results.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-8(b).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law › Article 14. Family Law: Establishment of Paternity › Chapter 6. Blood Testing in Paternity Actions › 31-14-6-3. Test Results; Effect; Admissibility

Sec. 3. The results of the tests and the finding of the expert:
(1) constitute conclusive evidence if the results and finding exclude a party as the biological father of the child; and
(2) are admissible in all paternity proceedings, unless the court excludes the results or finding for good cause.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-8(c).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6.