SOLVING LEGAL PROBLEMS SINCE 1986

According to statistics from the Adoption Network, approximately 135,000 children are adopted annually in the United States. Adoption helps to create families and enables children in need of a home to find consistent love and care. If you are considering adopting a child, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable Iowa family law attorney for detailed guidance.

For more than 30 years, the Olberding Law Office has been providing experienced legal services and comprehensive guidance to clients in adoption matters, including private and international adoptions. As your legal counsel, I can review your unique situation, explain your options, and guide you through the entire adoption process. I will also help fill out the required paperwork and submit documentation to the court. I provide the advocacy and support you need to ensure a successful and legal adoption.

Olberding Law Office is proud to serve clients throughout Nevada, Iowa, and the surrounding areas of Marshall County, Story County, Hamilton County, Boone County, and Hardin County.

Regardless of the type of adoption you choose, adding to your family can be an exciting experience. However, there are some statutory requirements and legal legwork surrounding the adoption process. Basic Iowa adoption requirements include:

According to Iowa Code Section 600.4, the following persons may adopt:

• An unmarried adult
• Husband and wife together
• A husband or wife separately under certain circumstances

Under Iowa laws, any person may be adopted.

Under Iowa Code Section 600.7, an adoption petition shall not be granted unless the following persons consent to the adoption:

• Any guardian of the person to be adopted
• The spouse of a petitioner who is a stepparent
• The spouse of a petitioner who is separately petitioning to adopt an adult person
• The person to be adopted if that person is fourteen years of age or older

• Be in writing;
• Name the person to be adopted; and
• Be signed by the person consenting.

The steps involved in the adoption process include:

For potential parents, it is essential that you meet the eligibility to adopt in your state. In Iowa, unmarried adults and married couples (jointly or separately) are eligible to adopt.

Before you can begin the adoption process, Iowa adoption laws require the potential adoptive family to complete a home study. A home study is used to evaluate the readiness of the family to adopt a child. It includes the following steps:

• A documentation phase
• A comprehensive home inspection
• Interviews with each family member

As you think about adding to your family, there are several types of adoption to choose from. An experienced attorney can review your unique situation and help you understand your possible adoption options.

Once you have decided which adoption process is right for you and your family, a child that fits best into your situation will be identified.

Before an adoption can occur, Iowa law requires that the rights of both biological parents be terminated. Termination of parental rights is completely voluntary and cannot be forced upon the birth parents. In Iowa, intentionally misidentifying the other biological parent is against the law.

The finalization process begins after terminating the birth parents' rights and placing the child with a family for adoption. It involves:

• Filing an adoption petition with the court to start the legal finalization process.
• Completing three post-placement visits with a certified investigator.
• Attending a finalization hearing where the judge will review the adoption and certify that it is in compliance with applicable state adoption laws.

Every aspect of the adoption process is regulated by state laws that must be strictly adhered to. Working with an attorney will help facilitate the legal process and help legally secure your adoption.

The adoption process in Iowa involves a lot of complex procedures. Statutory requirements surrounding the adoption, determining your eligibility to adopt, filing required legal paperwork, and finalizing the adoption process can make the entire proceedings confusing and overwhelming. Therefore, when considering adoption, consulting with a knowledgeable family law attorney is important for detailed guidance and to help in simplifying the entire process.

At Olberding Law Office, I have dedicated my career to offering knowledgeable and experienced representation in matters of private adoptions. As your legal counsel, I will help you understand your options and guide you through key decisions. I will provide the detailed assistance and advocacy you need throughout every step of the adoption process and make sure that all required state adoption laws are followed. Having me on your side can help ensure that your adoption goes as seamlessly as possible.