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

However, if you and the child live in Washington DC:

• You file in Washington DC Superior Court
• The biological parent can be served anywhere — in Washington DC or in another state
• The adoption follows Washington DC law regardless of where the other parent lives
• 6 months residency required (D.C. Code § 16-302)

If the biological parent lives in Washington DC and you live elsewhere:

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

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