How do I adopt an adult in Iowa?

In Iowa, you adopt an adult by filing a petition for adoption in District Court, getting the required written consents, and attending a short hearing. No termination of parental rights is needed first, and no home study is required. The rules are in Iowa Code Chapter 600.

Who may be adopted and who may adopt: An adult may be adopted in Iowa. An adopter must be an unmarried adult, or a husband and wife adopting together (Iowa Code § 600.4). A married person may petition alone only if the person being adopted is not their own spouse, and only as a stepparent or under the abandonment or absence exceptions (Iowa Code § 600.3(1), (2)(a)(1), (4)). Each petition covers one adoptee. For questions about the adopter's minimum age or any age difference between you and the adoptee, the District Court clerk in your county can confirm the answer.

Where to file: File in the District Court (the juvenile court or court) of the county where the adult adoptee or the petitioner lives or is domiciled. Iowa has no specific residency period for adult adoption (Iowa Code § 600.3).

Consents you need: Consents must be in writing and signed before the court or a notary (Iowa Code § 600.7).

• Any guardian of the adoptee.
• The adoptee, if 14 or older, which includes every adult adoptee.
• The spouse of a petitioner who petitions separately to adopt an adult.

A consent can be withdrawn before the decree. The court may also dispense with a consent at the hearing. If your situation involves a guardian, a missing person, or a possible dispute, ask the clerk or an attorney about that specific issue.

No home study: Iowa does not require an investigation or report when the person being adopted is an adult (Iowa Code § 600.8(7)(a)(1)).

The hearing: A hearing is required. It is conducted informally, as a hearing in equity, and it is reported or recorded. You and the adoptee must both attend unless the court excuses you (Iowa Code § 600.12).

Typical steps:

• Confirm the county where you or the adoptee lives.
• Complete the petition for adoption.
• Prepare the written consents and have them signed before a notary or the court.
• File the package with the District Court clerk and pay the filing fee.
• Attend the hearing with the adoptee.

Time and cost: Adult adoptions in Iowa typically take about 4-8 weeks. Court filing fees generally run $150-$250, and the total typically comes to under $1,000. Attorney-handled adoptions often cost $3,000-$5,000 or more.