Step-parent adoption in Iowa?

Question

I currently have a 2-yr-old daughter and want my fiance to adopt her after we get married. Her bio has not seen her since she was born and is not on the bc. We have had no contact and receive no support. He lives in MO and we have lived in IA for 1 1/2 years.

What do I absolutely have to do in this adoption? How long do we have to be married first and around how much will it cost?

Answer 1

depends what state you live in. Its really not a hard thing to do but every state has own rules. I know in Wisconsin step parent adoptions still must have a home study done and all the background checks. But I here its easier than regular adoption.  In wisconsin you must be married to him for 2 years.

Answer 2

Well the fact that he is not on the bc makes it very easy for you, if you go to an attorney its going to cost you anywhere from 2000-5000 but its something that if you go to the county clerk where you live they can give you some help on the documents so that way it wont cost you nearly as much. It doesn't matter how long you have been married all that is going to matter is WHY he wants to adopt her, that is what he is going to have to show the court he's going to have to show that it is in her best interest for him to adopt.