Adoption in Iowa

Adoption is a wonderful way to expand your family or solidify a pre-existing parent-child relationship. However, adopting a child or adult is not as simple as filling out a little paperwork and simply becoming a parent. Adoption can be long and complex, as there are many laws governing adoption.  

The process of adopting requires several steps, and it requires the adopting person to inform the court of a lot of information and to receive consent (or agreement) from specific people.

There are many different circumstances under which an adoption might occur. It may be a foster parent adopting their foster child; a stepparent adopting their stepchild; or parents adopting a newborn, as a few examples.

Iowa Code Chapter 600 and the Department of Human Services Administrative Rules both contain requirements for Iowa adoptions. 

More information on adoption in Iowa is available from the Department of Human Services, Four Oaks, and Lutheran Services in Iowa.