Adoption
Des Moines Attorneys Assisting Clients With Adoption
Iowa Adoption: What You Need to Know
Adoption in Iowa is a structured legal process with clear steps, working with an experienced adoption lawyer in Des Moines can make all the difference in how smoothly it goes.
Knowledge is power — for adoption, understanding the basics can help the people you love while making informed decisions every step of the way.
From Your Adoption Attorney in Des Moines...
Where Do I Start?
It's simple. Start your adoption matter with a call to Greenberg Law in Des Moines.
When people call our office, the first thing they usually say is some version of the same sentence: I don't know where to start. They know they need an adoption lawyer in Des Moines or in the surrounding area, but uncertain what the process looks like or what it will cost.
That's where we come in.
That's completely normal. The adoption process is not always clear. We can help.
Who Can Adopt in Iowa?
Under Iowa Code chapter 600, the following people are eligible to adopt:
An unmarried adult may adopt. A husband and wife may adopt together. One spouse alone may also adopt in certain situations, including a step-parent adoption. Iowa also allows an adult to be adopted.
We believe flat fees serve our clients better, which is why we use them whenever practical.
On this page you'll find information on adoption. Read what's useful to you right now and come back to the rest later.
Better yet, reach out to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys and get a free copy of Elena’s book: Where to Start Divorce.
Foundations of Adoption
Consent
The Foundation of Every Iowa Adoption
Before an adoption can move forward, Iowa law requires that certain people give their consent. Under Iowa Code section 600.7, an adoption generally cannot be granted without that consent unless the court determines it is unnecessary.
Here is what you need to know about consent:
A guardian must consent if one has been appointed. If the adoptee is 14 years old or older, the adoptee must also give consent. The spouse of a stepparent petitioner may need to consent in certain circumstances. All consents must be in writing, and a consent may be withdrawn before the adoption decree is issued.
If a required person refuses to consent or simply cannot be located, the court has the authority to decide at the adoption hearing whether that consent is unnecessary, weighing the best interests of the adoptee and the petitioner.
Consent is related to, but not the same thing as, a formal termination of parental rights. The connection between those two concepts is explained below.
How Termination of Parental Rights Connects to Adoption
Termination
Under Iowa Code section 600.3, an adoption petition generally may not be filed until termination of parental rights has already been completed. There are exceptions to this rule in step-parent adoptions, and adult adoptions.
Termination of parental rights and adoption are two separate legal steps, and in most cases termination must happen first. Skipping or misunderstanding this sequence is one of the most common reasons adoption cases may encounter significant delay.
Investigation and Home Study Requirements
For adoptions of minors, Iowa generally requires an investigation before the adoption can be finalized. There are several steps to the investigation under Iowa Code section 600.8. The investigation is not required in step-parent and adult adoptions. There are additional exceptions for certain relatives or long term guardians.
The Adoption Hearing
Most of the real legal work happens in the months before the court hearing. An experienced adoption attorney will make sure all the necessary steps have been completed so that the adoption hearing becomes a joyful moment of celebration for your family.
Working With a Adoption Attorney in Des Moines
Greenberg Law is Your Trusted Advocate
You Have More Choices Than You Realize.
We'll Help You Make the Right Ones.
If you are ready to take the next step, or if you simply have more questions, contact Greenberg Law in Des Moines. We are here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
If you are looking for an adoption attorney in Des Moines or the greater Des Moines metro area, who will take the time to explain your options, help you choose the approach that fits your family and your budget, and handle your case with the efficiency and care it deserves, then we'd like to talk with you.
Our consultations are designed to give you a real picture of what your case will look like, not a generic overview. Our consultations are an honest conversation about your specific situation, your goals, and what Iowa law means for your case.
If you have questions about adoption in Iowa, contact our Des Moines office to schedule a consultation. You do not have to figure this out alone.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case summaries reflect publicly available appellate decisions and are used for illustrative purposes only. Iowa law and local court rules vary by county and case. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a licensed Iowa family law attorney.
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