D.C. Adoption Law
Permits single LGBT individuals to petition to adopt? Yes.
The District of Columbia law permits any person to petition to adopt. (D.C. CODE § 16-302)
Permits a same-sex couple to jointly petition to adopt? Yes.
In 1995, the District’s Court of Appeals found that joint adoption petitions by unmarried couples, both opposite- and same-sex, should be granted or rejected on a case-by-case basis, based on the best interest of the child. (In re M.M.D., 662 A.2d 837 (D.C. 1995))
Permits a same-sex co-parent to petition to adopt partner’s child or child of the relationship? Yes.
In the same 1995 case, the appellate court ruled that a same-sex co-parent can petition to adopt the child of his or her partner or child of the relationship. (In re M.M.D., 662 A.2d 837 (D.C. 1995))
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Last Updated: 12/8/2009