- Contact Us for a Free Consultation 515-267-1265
Child support is intended to ensure that children have the financial resources they need for housing, food, education, and healthcare....
Deciding to end a marriage is already challenging, and understanding your legal path can feel overwhelming. In Iowa, divorces fall...
Family law cases are never easy, but they become even more complex when domestic abuse is involved. Abuse not only...
A great experience with a lawyer, and fairly cheap too. He will always give you all the options, talk you threw the options, and will tell you some odds. He explains any question and doesn’t seem to be bothered by it. The easiest time I had with a lawyer ever. Highly Highly recommend.
I hired Jeremy for my child custody case. He is incredibly knowledgeable but also speaks to you in a way that’s very direct and easy to understand. He was very thorough and always responded quickly. He showed up to trial extremely prepared and always did a good job of helping put my mind at ease. I would absolutely recommend him, and I’ll hire him again in a heartbeat if I ever need anything else.
Jeremy is absolutely amazing!!! Very professional and does a great job of explaining processes. He has done a great job handling all of our family needs!!! High recommend Feitelson Law Firm!!!
Adoption is one of the most life-affirming decisions a person can make. Whether you hope to expand your family or give a child a stable, loving home, the adoption process brings emotional rewards and complex legal requirements. It’s a journey filled with hope, but it can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially when encountering unfamiliar laws, paperwork, and timelines. Having the support of an experienced adoption lawyer can make a significant difference—not only in the outcome of your case but also in your peace of mind.
At Feitelson Law Firm, our Des Moines adoption attorney guides you every step of the way. With over 20 years of experience handling family law matters in Iowa, we bring compassion, clarity, and legal knowledge to each adoption case. Whether you’re a single adult, an LGBTQ individual or couple, or a traditional family, we tailor our services to meet your needs.
You shouldn’t have to navigate this important legal process alone. Let us help you move forward confidently and securely, starting with an initial consultation.
Understanding your eligibility is key to starting the adoption process. Many prospective parents worry that they might not meet the proper criteria, especially if they’re adopting as a single adult or as part of a non-traditional family structure.
These concerns are valid—laws around adoption can be intimidating, and misinformation can make you question your options. The good news is that Iowa law supports a wide range of adoptive parents and focuses on the best interests of the child.
Our attorney will help you understand your rights and what to expect depending on your family situation.
You may be eligible to adopt in Iowa if you are:
Every family dynamic is different, and we believe that loving, committed individuals should be able to grow their families without fear of discrimination or delay. We’ll ensure that your application and supporting documents meet all Iowa legal standards so you can focus on what matters most—welcoming your child home. Contact our Des Moines adoption lawyer today to learn more.
One of the most challenging parts of starting the adoption process is knowing which type of adoption is right for you. Many people come to us feeling overwhelmed by the options: agency vs. private adoption, domestic vs. foster care, open vs. closed arrangements. Others begin the process with a specific situation—such as a stepparent raising a partner’s child—but don’t realize the legal steps required to formalize that relationship.
Each type of adoption presents its challenges and requirements. You may face emotional hurdles, extended waiting periods, or the need to navigate sensitive communication with biological parents. No matter your situation, our lawyer provides a steady hand to guide you through the process with empathy and clarity.
We handle a wide range of adoptions, including:
We are committed to providing honest advice and helping you understand the benefits and challenges of each path.
In the Des Moines service area, there were 411 children in foster care as of the first quarter of SFY 2024, all of whom were reported safe from abuse by their foster or pre-adoptive parents, achieving a 100% safety rate.
The Des Moines area aims to increase the number of licensed foster and adoptive families of color, with a goal of 47 families by the end of SFY 2024.
Additionally, the Youth Law Center in Des Moines organizes an annual Adoption Day Celebration, providing a platform for families to finalize adoptions in a supportive environment.
These efforts reflect Des Moines’ commitment to enhancing the child adoption process and ensuring the well-being of children in foster care.
Adoption in Iowa involves multiple steps, each with specific documentation, court procedures, and timelines. Handling this process alone can result in missed deadlines, paperwork errors, or misunderstandings that could delay or even jeopardize the adoption.
Our attorney is here to explain every step clearly and handle the legal details on your behalf. From filing the initial petition to finalizing the court order, we’ll ensure your case moves forward efficiently and complies with Iowa law.
Here’s what you can expect from the legal adoption process in Iowa:
Throughout the process, our adoption attorney in Des Moines will advocate for your interests, provide regular updates, and remain accessible to answer questions or address concerns.
While Iowa is one of the more inclusive states in terms of adoption law, LGBTQ+ individuals and single people can still face unique challenges—especially in private adoptions or those involving interstate elements. Some agencies or out-of-state jurisdictions may impose bias or additional requirements that are not present under Iowa law. These complications can be deeply frustrating and emotionally taxing.
At Feitelson Law Firm, we have experience working with LGBTQ+ and single clients. We are strong advocates for equal treatment under the law and will stand by your side to ensure your parental rights are protected at every stage.
Common legal concerns we address for LGBTQ+ and single adoptive parents include:
No one should feel they have to justify their right to become a parent. Our adoption lawyer in Des Moines works tirelessly to remove barriers and ensure your family is treated with the dignity and fairness it deserves.
Trying to navigate adoption alone, even with the best intentions, can lead to confusion, costly errors, and unnecessary emotional strain. A skilled adoption lawyer provides legal knowledge and peace of mind. Feitelson Law Firm offers practical, honest, and personalized guidance so you never feel lost.
We can assist you with:
Every adoption case is unique. Our attorney will take the time to understand your goals, explain your options, and develop a legal strategy that supports your family’s future.
Adoption is a powerful and life-changing decision—one that deserves experienced legal support and personal care. Whether you’re a single adult, a same-sex couple, or a family adopting through foster care, Feitelson Law Firm is ready to help you build the future you envision.
Contact our Des Moines adoption lawyer today to schedule a consultation. We will answer your questions, review your options, and confidently and clearly walk you through the legal process. Your journey to parenthood starts here—let us help you take that first step with purpose and support.
The adoption process can take anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the type of adoption and the case’s complexity. Our experienced Des Moines adoption attorneys will keep you informed throughout the process.
To adopt in Des Moines, you must meet specific eligibility requirements, including age, residency, and background checks. Our attorneys will ensure you meet these requirements and handle all legal documentation. If you have any questions regarding the legal requirements don’t hesitate to reach out to our firm.
Iowa law allows same-sex couples to adopt children. Sexual orientation is not taken into account through the adoption process. Second-parent adoption is also an option in Iowa.
No, you need not be married to adopt a child in Des Moines. Both single individuals and married couples are eligible to adopt, but the process may differ depending on your relationship status and the type of adoption.
Birth parents in Iowa have certain rights, including the ability to consent to or deny the adoption. Sometimes, they may revoke their consent before the adoption is finalized. Legal counsel is essential for understanding birth parents’ rights and how to protect their interests.
If you live in another state, you can still adopt a child from Iowa. However, the process involves complying with Iowa’s adoption laws and the laws of your home state. Our attorneys can help coordinate the adoption process across state lines.
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from adopting in Des Moines. However, the nature and severity of the offense, along with the time elapsed since the conviction, may influence the adoption process. A background check is part of the home study; the adoption agency or court will review your history.
Open adoption involves ongoing contact between the birth and adoptive parents, including exchanging information or visits. A closed adoption means there is no contact between the birth and adoptive parents after the adoption is finalized. Both options are allowed in Iowa, but the choice depends on the agreement made before adoption.
© 2025 Feitelson Law Firm All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
