IowaStepparent & Adult Adoption
Court-approved forms for all 99 Iowa District Courts
Starting at $349Save $4,000+ vs attorneys
521
Iowa Families
$4,600
Average Savings
99
Counties Covered
4.9
Customer Rating
What We Help Iowa Families Accomplish
What is Stepparent Adoption?
Stepparent adoption is the legal process by which a stepparent becomes the legal parent of their spouse's child in Iowa. This permanently establishes parental rights including inheritance, medical decision-making, and the full parent-child relationship under Iowa Code Chapter 600. If the other biological parent is absent or won't cooperate, the adoption can still proceed—over 80% of adoptions we help with are completed without the other parent's consent.
Timeline: Typically 3-6 months from filing to finalization in Iowa District Court
What is Adult Adoption?
Adult adoption in Iowa is the legal process of adopting someone who is 18 years or older. It's commonly used by stepparents to formally adopt adult stepchildren, creating legal inheritance rights and official family recognition. Adult adoption in Iowa is simpler than minor adoption—typically not requiring home studies or biological parent consent, only the adult adoptee's written consent.
Timeline: Much faster than minor adoption—typically just 4-8 weeks in Iowa
Who Can Adopt in Iowa?
Under Iowa adoption law, any adult living and working in Iowa may petition for adoption if it is in the best interest of the adoptee. For stepparent adoption specifically, you must be:
- Legally married to the child's biological parent
- A Iowa resident
- Able to provide for the child's welfare
- Pass required background checks
Since 2001, StepParent Adoption 360 has helped over 521 Iowa families complete their adoptions — saving an average of $4,600 compared to hiring an attorney.
Choose Your Iowa Adoption
Simple, transparent pricing. Everything you need to complete your adoption.
Stepparent Adoption
For children under 18
- Complete Iowa adoption forms
- Step-by-step District Court filing guide
- Consent OR abandonment forms included
- County-specific instructions
- Unlimited email support
- 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee
Typical timeline: 3-6 months
Adult Adoption
For stepchildren 18 or older
- Complete Iowa adult adoption forms
- Simplified process (4-8 weeks)
- Adult consent documentation
- District Court filing guide
- Unlimited email support
- 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee
Typical timeline: 4-8 weeks
What Does Iowa Stepparent Adoption Cost?
Complete cost breakdown so you know exactly what to expect
With StepParent Adoption 360
*Costs vary by Iowa county. Background check may include fingerprinting.
With a Traditional Attorney
Good News for Iowa: Under Iowa Code § 600.8, home studies are typically waived for stepparent adoptions unless the court specifically orders one. This saves you several hundred dollars compared to states that require home studies.
You Save $2,000 - $4,600+
Same court-approved documents, fraction of the cost
Iowa Adoption Law at a Glance
Under Iowa Code Chapter 600
Residency
No specific duration, but must be domiciled in Iowa.
Iowa Code § 600.3
Other Parent's Consent
Consent is ideal, but not required if parent is absent or won't sign.
80%+ of adoptions proceed without it
No Contact 6+ Months?
Court can waive consent based on abandonment. This is very common.
Iowa Code § 600A.8
Child's Consent
Children 14 years or older must provide written consent.
Iowa Code § 600.7
Where to File
File in the District Court of your county.
99 Iowa District Courts
Timeline
Stepparent: 3-6 months
Adult: 4-8 weeks
Varies by county
The Iowa Stepparent Adoption Process
A stepparent adoption in Iowa grants you the same legal rights and responsibilities as if the child were biologically yours. Here's exactly how to make it happen:
Adult Adoption in Iowa
A simpler, faster path to making your family official
Adult adoptions in Iowa are usually simpler and faster than adopting a minor. If your stepchild is 18 or older and you want to formalize your parent-child relationship, adult adoption creates full legal recognition including inheritance rights.
Why Adult Adoption is Simpler:
No Termination
Typically no need to terminate another parent's rights
Adult Consent Only
The adult adoptee simply provides written consent
Simplified Process
No home study, no background check—typically completed in just 4-8 weeks
The Process: Submit a Petition for Adult Adoption to your county's District Court, attend a brief hearing, and receive the Final Judgment of Adoption. You can then request a revised birth certificate for the adoptee if desired.
Typical timeline: 4-8 weeks
In the District Court of
__________ County, Iowa
In the Matter of the Adoption of:
Minor Child
Case No.:
Petition for Stepparent Adoption
COMES NOW the Petitioner, , and respectfully petitions this Honorable Court for the adoption of the above-named minor child, and in support thereof states:
1. Petitioner is an adult resident of the State of Iowa.
2. Petitioner is married to , the natural mother/father of the child.
3. The minor child, , was born on , and is presently years of age.
4. The parental rights of the natural parent should be terminated pursuant to Iowa Code § 600A.8 based upon:
WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays that this Court grant the adoption.
Petitioner
Sample illustration only — not a depiction of actual legal documents
Your Complete Iowa Package
Every document required by Iowa District Courts, customized for your county and family situation.
Petition for Stepparent Adoption
State-specific court filing
Consent/Abandonment Forms
Whether parent signs or not
Order of Adoption
Final court decree
Financial Affidavits
Required disclosures
Filing Instructions
County-specific guide
Court Checklist
Everything for your hearing
Ready in 24-48 hours — Documents prepared within 1-2 business days after completing the questionnaire.
How It Works
Three simple steps to complete your Iowa adoption
Complete Questionnaire
Answer simple questions about your family. Takes about 15 minutes.
Get Your Forms
Receive court-ready Iowa forms within 24-48 hours via email.
File with Court
Follow our step-by-step guide to file at your Iowa District Court.
Iowa Filing Locations
We prepare court-ready documents for families in Iowa's major cities and surrounding counties
Des Moines
IA
Cedar Rapids
IA
Davenport
IA
Sioux City
IA
Iowa City
IA
All 99 Iowa counties covered. Our forms are customized for your specific county's District Court requirements.
Special Situations We Handle
Every family is unique. We have experience with all types of adoption situations in Iowa.
Military Families
We understand military deployments, PCS moves, and interstate jurisdiction issues. Our forms work for active duty families stationed in or claiming Iowa residency.
Blended Families
Whether you're adopting one child or multiple children from different relationships, we prepare the appropriate documents for your complete family situation.
LGBTQ+ Families
Iowa recognizes same-sex marriage and stepparent adoption rights. We've helped many LGBTQ+ families complete their adoptions with full legal recognition.
Long-Term Stepparents
Been a stepparent for years? Many families wait to formalize the adoption. It's never too late to make your legal relationship official in Iowa.
Absent Parent Cases
Over 80% of our adoptions proceed without the other parent's consent. If the biological parent is absent or won't cooperate, we prepare your abandonment documentation.
Adult Stepchildren
Want to adopt an adult stepchild (18+)? Adult adoption in Iowa is simpler and faster—typically just 4-8 weeks with only the adult's consent required.
Iowa Families Love Us
Real stories from Iowa families who completed their adoption
"Filing in Des Moines was so much easier than we expected. The forms were perfect and the step-by-step guide walked us through everything. Our family is now officially complete!"
Johnson Family
Des Moines, IA
"We were nervous about the legal process, but StepParent Adoption 360 made it simple. The District Court accepted all our forms without any issues."
Miller Family
Cedar Rapids, IA
"After being a stepparent for 7 years, we finally made it official. The support team answered all our questions and the forms were exactly what the court needed."
Anderson Family
Davenport, IA
Iowa Adoption FAQ
Get answers to the most common questions about stepparent adoption in Iowa
Ready to Complete Your Iowa Family?
Join 521+ Iowa families who have successfully completed their adoption. Start today and save thousands compared to hiring an attorney.
100% Court Acceptance Guarantee - Forms Ready in 24-48 Hours - All 99 Iowa Counties