Family law attorneys serving Waterloo & Waverly
Gallagher, Langlas & Gallagher, P.C. is a reputable law firm with experienced attorneys who take the time to fully understand your goals when we take on your family law case. We provide compassionate legal representation at each stage of your adoption proceedings. With offices in Waverly and Waterloo, we provide comprehensive legal services for families in the greater Waterloo community.
Adoptions in Iowa
Adopting a child into your family should be a joyful time. We help ease the process by taking care of the details and guiding your through the legal system. Adoptions must be approved by a court for the child to officially become a legal member of your family. Each state handles adoptions a little differently. The basic rules for adopting a child in Iowa are:
- An unmarried person may adopt if other requirements are met.
- The child must have lived with you for at least 180 days.
- You must have lived in Iowa for at least six months.
- You must have the physical and mental ability to care for the child.
- Adoptive parents must be financially stable.
- Adoptive parents must agree to a background check that includes:
- marriage and divorce history
- criminal background check
- home visits to evaluate members of the household and the home itself
Our adoption and divorce lawyers are intimately familiar with the nuances of Iowa adoption law and can explain the process to you in more detail based on your specific circumstances.
Stepparent adoptions
Stepparent adoptions are the most frequent type of adoption in Iowa. Stepparent roles vary from family to family, but a stepparent who adopts agrees to be completely responsible for the child until the child reaches adulthood.
Like traditional adoption, stepparent adoptions require terminating the parental rights of the uninvolved parent. After the stepparent adoption is complete, the uninvolved parent has no more rights or responsibilities for the child, including child support or visitation.
Our qualified adoption and divorce law firm can provide greater detail about stepparent adoptions when we meet with you.
How long does the adoption process take?
Since every adoption case is unique, there is no set schedule. An experienced adoption attorney can review your individual circumstances and help you understand how long your adoption case may take.
Call to arrange a meeting with an outstanding Iowa lawyer
The seasoned, award-winning professionals at Gallagher, Langlas & Gallagher, P.C. can assist you in completing the legal requirements for adoption. Serving the Waterloo and Waverly area for more than 60 years, we provide compassionate, client-focused legal counsel.
