Iowa Code Title XV. Judicial Branch and Judicial Procedures [Chs. 595-686] § 600.10. Minimum residence of a minor child

The adoption of a minor person shall not be decreed until that person has lived with the adoption petitioner for a minimum residence period of one hundred eighty days. However, the juvenile court or court may waive this period if the adoption petitioner is a stepparent or related to the minor person within the fourth degree of consanguinity or may shorten this period upon good cause shown when the juvenile court or court is satisfied that the adoption petitioner and the person to be adopted are suited to each other.