How do you adopt a child that is not an adult?

Full question:

Parent 1 and Parent 2 have raised Child A for 12 years. Child A is now 18 years old, and wants Parent 1 and Parent 2 to adopt him/her. How do Parent 1 and Parent 2 adopt Child A as an adult?

Answer:

Adult adoption is handled differently in all states. Some state statutes only provide for adult adoption if the person to be adopted is of diminished capacity. Some states require the consent of the spouse of the person to be adopted (if married), some require notification of biological parent(s), and some require nothing more than the consent of the adult parties. Parent 1 and Parent 2 must locate the requirements for adult adoption in their state.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

An adopted child typically gains legal rights similar to those of biological children. These benefits may include inheritance rights, access to family medical history, and eligibility for benefits such as health insurance and Social Security. Additionally, adopted children often receive emotional support and stability from their adoptive parents, which can enhance their overall well-being.