How old do you have to be to adopt in Washington DC?

Washington DC does not set a minimum age for adopting. The statute says "Any person may petition the court for a decree of adoption" (D.C. Code § 16-302), and it states no minimum age for the person petitioning. It also states no required age gap between the adopting parent and the person being adopted.

What this means for you. You won't find a number like "21" or "25" in the statute. If your situation involves a very young petitioner, or you want to know whether the judge looks at maturity or the age difference, ask the Superior Court clerk or an attorney. Washington DC law on those points should be confirmed before you file.

Where age does matter. Other ages in the process apply to the person being adopted, not to you:

• A child who is 14 or older: Washington DC sets the child consent age at 14 (D.C. Code § 16-304).
• An adult being adopted: A person over 18 may be adopted with their own consent, if the court is satisfied the adoption should be granted (D.C. Code § 16-304). Adults must also be able to give written consent acknowledged before an authorized officer.

Other basics for a stepparent adoption in Washington DC:

• Court: You file in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Washington DC is a single district, so there is no county choice to make.
• Residency: For a stepchild adoption, Washington DC has no minimum residency period under D.C. Code § 16-301(b). For an adult adoption, the court has jurisdiction if you are a legal resident of DC or have lived in DC for at least one year before filing.
• Your spouse: D.C. Code § 16-302 addresses the role of a petitioner's spouse. A spouse who is the child's natural parent needs only to consent.
• Home study: For a stepparent adoption, the home study is waived under D.C. Code § 16-308(a)(2).
• Other parent's consent: If the other birth parent will not consent, or cannot be found, the answer depends on your facts. Washington DC uses a six-month abandonment period in D.C. Code § 16-304, but whether it applies to you is a question for the court clerk or an attorney.
• Timeline: Stepparent adoptions in Washington DC typically take 3-6 months. Adult adoptions typically take 4-8 weeks.
• Filing fee: The Superior Court clerk can confirm the current filing fee.