Adoption by Unmarried Parents

If you and your partner want to adopt, you might be surprised to learn that in most states you cannot do so together, at the same time.

The following states allow both partners to adopt together:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • District of Columbia
  • Illinois
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Vermont

Other states permit one parent to adopt the child and then the other parent can do so in a second proceeding.