Are there any special requirements for adoption in Arizona?

Yes. Arizona has a few requirements that set it apart, but the stepparent adoption process is fairly straightforward, and you file in the Superior Court in your county.

Residency. You must be an Arizona resident, but A.R.S. § 8-103 sets no minimum period. You do not have to wait months before filing. Any adult resident, whether married, unmarried or legally separated, is eligible to adopt under that statute.

Fingerprint clearance. Arizona requires fingerprint clearance for adoption petitioners. Plan for this early, since it is one of the steps that can affect your timing.

Home study waived. For stepparents, the home study is waived under A.R.S. § 8-105. You will not need a social worker to visit your home.

Consents. Your filing generally includes:

• The Petition for Adoption
• Your spouse's consent to the adoption
• Consent forms from the other legal parent, or a motion to sever that parent's rights
• Your stepchild's consent if the child is 12 or older (A.R.S. § 8-106)

Ending the other parent's rights. In Arizona, termination of parental rights is handled separately from the adoption itself. If the other parent will not consent, abandonment can be a ground, and the statutes use a six-month period (A.R.S. §§ 8-531(1), 8-533(B)(1)). Whether your situation meets that standard depends on your facts. If the other parent objects or cannot be found, talk with an attorney or the Superior Court clerk about your specific case.

Notice to the other parent. Arizona allows personal service by a sheriff or process server. If the parent's location is unknown, service by publication is allowed after a diligent search. The court will want to see that search, so keep records of your efforts.

Timeline and cost.

• Stepparent adoptions in Arizona typically take 4-8 months.
• Court filing fees generally run $200-$350, and the total cost is typically under $1,000.
• Hiring an attorney commonly costs $3,000-$5,000+.

Your county's Superior Court clerk can confirm the exact current fee and any local filing details.

Adopting an adult. If you want to adopt an adult stepchild, the process is different and usually quicker, at about 2-3 months. Arizona allows an adult to adopt someone who is 18 to 21 and consents, or a current or former stepchild. The adoption is completed through a written agreement that the court approves, and the adoptee must consent (A.R.S. § 14-8101). A hearing is required, and both parties must appear in person. A court-designated person also submits a written report before the hearing, though it is not a standard home study.

Questions to confirm locally. Each of Arizona's 15 counties has its own Superior Court clerk's office.