What is a post-adoption contact agreement?

A post-adoption contact agreement (PACA) is a legally binding contract between adoptive parents, birth parents, and other individuals, such as extended family members, that allows for continued contact between the birth and adoptive families. In the state of Indiana, if both parties consent to a PACA, it may be used to provide for communication, face-to-face visits, or other forms of contact between the birth family and the adoptive family. A PACA is considered a voluntary agreement meaning that no one can be forced to agree to or abide by its terms. The agreement is typically made prior to the completion of an adoption and is enforceable by the court. Each state has its own requirements regarding post-adoption contact agreements, so it is important for those involved to understand what is allowed in their home state. A well-crafted PACA should include clear language that defines the extent and type of contact that is allowed between each party (i.e. telephone calls, visits, etc.). It should also identify the parties involved, the duration of the agreement, the frequency of contact, and provisions for terminating the agreement if necessary. In Indiana, post-adoption contact agreements must be approved by the court before they are enforceable and each party must submit a signed copy of the agreement to the court. It is important to note that while the terms of a post-adoption contact agreement may be modified or revoked by either party, any changes must be approved by the court in order to be valid.

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What is a post-adoption contact agreement?

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