Sec. 3. (a) A child custody proceeding is commenced in the court by:

(1) a parent by filing a petition under IC 31-15-2-4, IC 31-15-3-4, or IC 31-16-2-3;

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Terms Used In Indiana Code 31-17-2-3

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
(2) a person other than a parent by filing a petition seeking a determination of custody of the child; or

(3) a child, by the child’s next friend, if the child is the subject of a:

(A) child in need of services petition under IC 31-34; or

(B) termination petition under IC 31-35.

     (b) As used in this section, “child’s next friend” means:

(1) the department;

(2) the child’s court appointed special advocate; or

(3) the child’s guardian ad litem.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-20(a) part.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.66-2023, SEC.1; P.L.9-2024, SEC.495.