Ind. Code ch. 31-16-2

in effect

Ind. Code § 31-16-2-1 Applicability of Indiana Rules of Civil Procedure

Sec. 1. Proceedings under this chapter and IC 31-16-3.5 through IC 31-16-12 must comply with the Indiana Rules of Civil Procedure. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-4(e) part.] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.1-2010, SEC.117.

Ind. Code § 31-16-2-2 Cause of action established

Sec. 2. A cause of action for child support is established. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-3(b).] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 31-16-2-3 Caption; standing

Sec. 3. A proceeding for child support must be commenced by the filing of a petition entitled, "In Re the support of __________". The petition may be filed by any person entitled to receive child support payments. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-4(b) part.] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 31-16-2-4 Verified petition; averments

Sec. 4. A petition for child support: (1) must be verified; and (2) must set forth the following: (A) The relationship of the parties. (B) The present residence of each party. (C) The names and addresses of: (i) each living child less than nineteen (19) years of age; and (ii) each incapacitated child; of the marriage. (D) The relief sought. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-4(b) part.] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.206-2015, SEC.48.

Ind. Code § 31-16-2-5 Service of petition and summons

Sec. 5. Whenever a petition is filed, a copy of the petition, including a copy of a summons, shall be served upon the person alleged to be responsible for child support in the same manner as service of summons in civil actions generally. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-5 part.] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 31-16-2-6 Residence

Sec. 6. In an action for child support under section 2 of this chapter, one (1) of the parties must reside in the county at the time of the filing of the action. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-6(c).] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 31-16-2-7 Responsive pleading or counter petition

Sec. 7. A responsive pleading or a counter petition may be filed under this chapter or IC 31-16-3.5 through IC 31-16-12. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-4(d) part.] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.1-2010, SEC.118.

Ind. Code § 31-16-2-8 Decree; findings; scope

Sec. 8. (a) The court shall enter a decree in an action under section 2 of this chapter when the court finds: (1) that there is a duty to support by the person alleged to have the duty; (2) that the duty to support has not been fulfilled; and (3) that an order should be entered under IC 31-16-6-1. (b) The decree may include orders as provided for in IC 31-16-3.5 through IC 31-16-12. [Pre-1997 Recodification Citations: 31-1-11.5-8(b); 31-1-11.5-9(b).] As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.1-2010, SEC.119.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/31Fetched: 10/17/2026