What if the biological parent lives in Iowa 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 Iowa, the adoption is filed in YOUR state, not Iowa.

However, if you and the child live in Iowa:

• You file in Iowa District Court
• The biological parent can be served anywhere — in Iowa or in another state
• The adoption follows Iowa law regardless of where the other parent lives
• 0 months residency required (Iowa Code § 600.3)

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

• You file in YOUR state's court
• The biological parent is served at their Iowa address
• Iowa'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 Iowa can serve the biological parent
• If the parent is cooperative, they can sign consent and have it notarized in Iowa
• If the parent's location in Iowa is unknown, service by publication may be used

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