Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption - Iowa

Date: August 2020

Who May Adopt

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 600.4

The following persons may adopt:

  • An unmarried adult
  • A husband and wife together
  • A husband or wife separately, if the person to be adopted is not the spouse and if the adopting spouse is any of the following:
    • The stepparent
    • Separated from his or her spouse
    • Unable to obtain consent from his or her spouse due to prolonged absence, an unexplained absence, unavailability, incapacity of the spouse, or an unreasonable unwillingness to consent

Who May Be Adopted

Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 600.10; 600.3

The following persons may be adopted:

  • A minor who has resided with the adoptive parent for a minimum of 180 days, but this requirement may be waived for a stepparent or relative
  • An adult

Who May Place a Child for Adoption

Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 600.7; 600.7A

A child may be placed by or consent may be given by any of the following:

  • The guardian of the person to be adopted
  • The Department of Human Services
  • A licensed child-placing agency

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