Can a step-grandparent adopt a grandchild in Washington DC?

Yes, a step-grandparent can ask the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for an adoption decree in Washington DC. D.C. Code § 16-302 says "Any person may petition the court for a decree of adoption," and no minimum age or age gap is stated for the person adopting. Whether the court grants a particular petition depends on the facts of your family.

Who joins the petition: If you are married, your spouse must join the petition (D.C. Code § 16-302). The only exception is a spouse who is the child's natural parent, who needs only to consent. Because a step-grandparent's spouse is the child's grandparent, not the parent, plan on your spouse joining you as a petitioner. The clerk can confirm how this applies to your household.

Where you file: The Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Washington DC is a single district, so there is no county to choose.

Residency: D.C. Code § 16-301(b) sets no minimum residency period for a child adoption.

Consents and the child's voice:

• Consents must be written and acknowledged before an authorized officer (D.C. Code § 16-304(a)).
• A child who is 14 or older has a consent role under D.C. Code § 16-304.
• That same section includes a 6-month abandonment period (D.C. Code § 16-304). It may matter if a parent has been absent, but whether it fits your situation is a question for the clerk or an attorney.

What the child's parents must do: A step-grandparent adoption is not the same as a stepparent adoption, because you are not married to either of the child's parents. What the court requires from the child's mother and father, whether they consent, are deceased, or are absent, depends on the facts. If a parent is contested, cannot be found, or has not agreed, speak with the Superior Court clerk or a family-law attorney about that specific issue.

Home study: Washington DC waives the home study under D.C. Code § 16-308(a)(2). Confirm with the clerk that the waiver applies to a petition filed by a step-grandparent.

Timeline and court fees: Stepparent adoptions in Washington DC typically take 3-6 months. A step-grandparent case may follow a different path, so ask the clerk what to expect. The clerk can also confirm the current filing fee.