Iowa Code § 600.4: Qualifications to file adoption petition.

Any person who may adopt may file an adoption petition under section 600.3. The following persons may adopt:

1. An unmarried adult.

2. Husband and wife together.

3. A husband or wife separately if the person to be adopted is not the other spouse and if any of the following conditions apply:

a. The adopting spouse is the stepparent of the person to be adopted.

b. The adopting spouse has been separated from the other spouse by reason of the other spouse’s abandonment as prescribed in section 597.10.

c. The adopting spouse is unable to petition with the other spouse because of the prolonged and unexplained absence, unavailability, or incapacity of the other spouse, or because of an unreasonable withholding of joinder by the other spouse, as determined by the juvenile court or court under section 600.5, subsection 7.