Iowa

Who may adopt?
An unmarried adult.
Husband and wife together.
Husband or wife separately under certain conditions.

Consent for adoption to be executed?
Parental release of custody may not be executed until at least 72 hours after the child's birth.

Revocation of consent?
A request to revoke consent may be made prior to termination of parental rights.
If the request is made within 96 hours of executing the release, the court shall allow it.
If the request is made after 96 hours, the court must find by clear and convincing evidence that good cause exists for revocation, such as fraud, coercion, or misrepresentation of fact.

Who may place a child for adoption?
Guardian of the person to be adopted.
The Department of Human Services.

Advertising?
This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Facilitators?
This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Putative Father's Registry?
Yes. The putative father may file prior to the child's birth, but no later than the date of the filing of the petition for termination of rights.

Expenses?
Birth parent
Legal costs.
Pregnancy and birth-related medical care.
Living expenses of the mother.
Counseling provided to the birth parents.
Foster care for the child, if needed.

Department/Agency –
A fee may be charged for any required investigations.
The fee may not exceed the reasonable cost of services rendered and be on a sliding scale based on ability to pay.

Information provided in part by the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

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Credits: Sandra Hanks Benoiton