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

   1. (1) a parent by filing a petition under IC 31-15-2-4 , IC 31-15-3-4 , or IC 31-16-2-3 ;
   2. (2) a person other than a parent by filing a petition seeking a determination of custody of the child; or

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

      1. (A) child in need of services petition under IC 31-34 ; or
      2. (B) termination petition under IC 31-35 .

2. (b) As used in this section, "child's next friend" means:

   1. (1) the department;
   2. (2) the child's court appointed special advocate; or

   3. (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.