What if the biological parent lives in Idaho but I live in another state?

You file where YOU and the child live — not where the biological parent lives. If you live in another state but the biological parent is in Idaho, the adoption is filed in YOUR state, not Idaho.

However, if you and the child live in Idaho:

• You file in Idaho Magistrate Court
• The biological parent can be served anywhere — in Idaho or in another state
• The adoption follows Idaho law regardless of where the other parent lives
• 6 months residency required (Idaho Code § 16-1504)

If the biological parent lives in Idaho and you live elsewhere:

• You file in YOUR state's court
• The biological parent is served at their Idaho address
• Idaho's laws do not govern — your state's laws do
• Contact us and we'll prepare documents for your state

Cross-state service of process:

• A sheriff or process server in Idaho can serve the biological parent
• If the parent is cooperative, they can sign consent and have it notarized in Idaho
• If the parent's location in Idaho is unknown, service by publication may be used

Cost: $349 regardless of which state | Call (855) 924-0450 to discuss your multi-state situation.