Wyoming Adoption Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Heather Biddle, Esq. | Last reviewed December 27, 2022
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Adoption can be an amazing endeavor. Indeed, the opportunity to expand your family by adopting a child can be a joyous experience. However, with the legal requirements surrounding adoption, it can be a complex and potentially confusing one as well. It can seem impossible for the average Wyoming resident to make heads or tails of the state laws that regulate who can be adopted, by whom, and how.
Wyoming, like most states, allows any person to be adopted and any adult, single or married, to adopt. After the age of 14, the child's consent is required if the child's natural parents no longer have parental rights.
This article provides a brief overview of adoption laws in the state of Wyoming.
Adoption Laws in Wyoming: At a Glance
Most regulations regarding adoption exist at the state level and will dictate who is allowed to adopt and the special requirements for adoptive parents. Under Wyoming law, spouses must join in the adoption unless they are legally separated.
Adoption laws in Wyoming are highlighted in the chart below.
Code Section |
§ 1-22-101 et seq. of the Wyoming Statutes |
|---|---|
Who May Be Adopted |
Any person |
Age that Child's Consent Needed |
14 years and older |
Who May Adopt |
Any adult person who has resided in the state during 60 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition and who is determined by a court to be fit and competent to be a parent |
Home Residency Required Prior to Finalization of Adoption? |
Six months |
State Agency/Court |
Department of Family Services/District Court |
Statute of Limitations to Challenge |
- |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Get Legal Help with Adoption
The adoption process can be lengthy, and the state statutes and policies concerning adoption can seem never-ending. If you would like legal assistance with an adoption case, you can contact an experienced Wyoming adoption attorney in your area to schedule a consultation. You can also visit FindLaw's Adoption and Adoption Laws section for more articles and resources on this topic.
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