1. (a) An attorney or agency that arranges an adoption or may arrange an adoption may at any time request that the state department search the registry to determine whether a putative father:

   1. (1) is registered in relation to a mother whose child is or may be the subject of an adoption; or
   2. (2) has filed a petition to establish paternity.

2. (b) Whenever a petition for adoption is filed, the attorney or agency that arranges the adoption shall:

   1. (1) request that the state department search the registry under this section at least one (1) day after the expiration of the period specified by section 12 of this chapter; and

   2. (2) file an affidavit prepared by the state department under section 16 of this chapter in response to a request under subdivision (1) with the court presiding over the adoption under this article.

      [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1.5-14(a).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.58-2009, SEC.15; P.L.1-2010, SEC.122; P.L.56-2023, SEC.274.