Sec. 6. (a) Except when a hearing is required after June 30, 1999, under section 4.5 of this chapter, the person filing the petition shall request the court to set the petition for a hearing. Whenever a hearing is requested under this chapter, the court shall:
(1) commence a hearing on the petition not more than ninety (90) days after a petition is filed under this chapter; and
(2) complete a hearing on the petition not more than one hundred eighty (180) days after a petition is filed under this chapter.
(b) If a hearing is not held within the time set forth in subsection (a), upon filing a motion with the court by a party, the court shall dismiss the petition to terminate the parent-child relationship without prejudice.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-5-4(b) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.35-1998, SEC.21; P.L.146-2006, SEC.54; P.L.48-2012, SEC.68.
Structure Indiana Code
Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law
Article 35. Juvenile Law: Termination of Parent-Child Relationship
31-35-2-1. Application of Chapter
31-35-2-2. Law Governing Proceedings
31-35-2-4. Petition; Contents; Filing of Permanency Plan
31-35-2-4.5. Petition; Filing; Motion to Dismiss
31-35-2-5. Representation of State's Interests
31-35-2-6. Request for Hearing; Timing of Hearing; Dismissal of Petition
31-35-2-6.5. Notice of Hearing
31-35-2-7. Guardian Ad Litem or Court Appointed Special Advocate