Notice to biological father regarding adoption petition for Jesabella Elena Race.

COLUMBIA COUNTY

LEGAL NOTICE



STATE OF INDIANA

) §

COUNTY OF LAGRANGE

IN THE LAGRANGE CIRCUIT COURT

CAUSE NO. 44C01-2509-AD-000009

IN RE: THE ADOPTION OF

JESABELLA ELENA RACE, Minor Child.

KIM A. EMERY, Petitioner

NOTICE TO BIOLOGICAL FATHER

Justin S. Race, the biological father of Jesabella Elena Race, born to Fallon S. Costa, on March 3, 2017, is notified that a Petition for Adoption of the child was filed on September 10, 2025, with the office of the Clerk of LaGrange Circuit Court, 105 N Detroit Street, LaGrange, IN 46761.

If Justin S. Race, wishes to contest the adoption of the child, Jesabella Elena Race, he must file a Motion to Contest the Adoption in accordance with Indiana Code 31-19-10-1 in the above- named Court or a paternity action under Indiana Code 31-14 within thirty (30) days after service of this notice. This notice may be served by publication.

If Justin S. Race, does not file a Motion to Contest the Adoption or a paternity action under Indiana Code 31-14 within thirty (30) days after service of this notice, or after filing a paternity action under Indiana Code 31-14, fails to establish paternity within a reasonable period as determined by the paternity Court under Indiana Code 31-14-21-9 through Indiana Code 31-14- 21-11, the above-named Court shall hear and determine the Petition for Adoption. Justin S. Race's consent is irrevocably implied and Justin S. Race, loses the right to contest the adoption or the validity of Justin S. Race's implied consent to the adoption. Justin S. Race loses the right to establish paternity of the child under Indiana Code 31-14.

Nothing anyone else says to Justin S. Race, relieves Justin S. Race, of his obligations under

this Notice.

Under Indiana law, a putative father is a person who is named as or claims that he may be the father of a child born out of wedlock, but who has not yet been legally proven to be the child's

father.

I have hereunto set my hand, and seal of said Court, the 8th day of April 2026.

/s/ Kimberly Johnson

Clerk of the LaGrange County Circuit Court