In this answer · 3 sections
Your question, explained
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 Washington, the adoption is filed in YOUR state, not Washington.
However, if you and the child live in Washington:
- You file in Washington Superior Court
- The biological parent can be served anywhere — in Washington or in another state
- The adoption follows Washington law regardless of where the other parent lives
- 0 months residency required (RCW § 26.33.020)
If the biological parent lives in Washington and you live elsewhere:
- You file in YOUR state's court
- The biological parent is served at their Washington address
- Washington'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 Washington can serve the biological parent
- If the parent is cooperative, they can sign consent and have it notarized in Washington
- If the parent's location in Washington is unknown, service by publication may be used
Cost: $349 regardless of which state | Call (855) 924-0450 to discuss your multi-state situation.
Stepparent adoption in Washington at a glance
- Court
- Superior Court
- Residency before filing
- No minimum period
- Typical timeline
- 3-6 months
- Court filing fee
- $200-$500
- Child must consent at age
- 14
- Home study
- May be required
- Washington families we've helped
- 1,104
Published by Douglas Brown & the StepParent Adoption 360 team
Adoption document specialists · 25+ years of experience · 34,000+ families helped.
Page layout updated . Individual answers have different research histories. This is general information; court requirements and individual circumstances can differ. Document preparation service, not a law firm.
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