Are there any special requirements for adoption in California?

Yes, California has some specific requirements to be aware of:

1. No minimum marriage duration required

2. Home study typically waived under §9000.5

3. Name change included at no additional court cost

4. Electronic filing available in most counties

Standard requirements also apply:

• 0 months California residency (Cal. Fam. Code § 8714)
• Background check for the adopting stepparent
• Child consent if age 12+ (Cal. Fam. Code § 8602)
• Home study waived for stepparents (Cal. Fam. Code § 8715)

We know all of California's specific requirements and include everything you need in your document package. We've helped 1,219+ families in California navigate these requirements successfully.