Indiana statute
Ind. Code § 35-46-1-9.5 — Adoption deception
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 1: Offenses Against the Family, Indiana Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Ind. Code § 35-46-1-9.5
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Indiana.
Sec. 9.5. A person who is a birth mother, or a woman who holds herself out to be a birth mother, and who knowingly or intentionally benefits from adoption related expenses paid: (1) when the person knows or should have known that the person is not pregnant; (2) by or on behalf of a prospective adoptive parent who is unaware that at the same time another prospective adoptive parent is also paying adoption related expenses described under section 9(d) of this chapter in an effort to adopt the same child; or (3) when the person does not intend to make an adoptive placement; commits adoption deception, a Level 6 felony. In addition to any other penalty imposed under this section, a court may order the person who commits adoption deception to make restitution to a prospective adoptive parent, attorney, or licensed child placing agency that incurs an expense as a result of the offense.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is adoption deception a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?
Adoption deception is a Level 6 Felony in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-46-1-9.5.
Which Indiana statute covers adoption deception?
Adoption deception is governed by Ind. Code § 35-46-1-9.5 (Adoption deception).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.