Adult Adoption

Question: Adult Adoption? This may sound wierd but is it possible to be adopted once you are over 21 years of age? I have a terrible relationship with my very disfunctional family and unfortunatly I doubt it is possible to repare the damage. This is partly due to my feeling, praticality(not sure the things that are wrong could be changed) and the lack or recognition of problems/willingness to make amends on the part of parents and my brother. They deny any fault and other family mesk?mbers, also feel angry at me for "bringing things up". I feel the need for a conection to someone that I can have a loving and supportive family life with. A family that is not irrational,people who do not suffer from depression,anxioty disorders, or religous addiction. Not much to ask? I know adoption a person old enough to be a parent themselves is a strange concept. But are there not others out there that want what I want? Are there any adoption agencies that work with this sort of problem or adult adoptions in the US or UK? The point of this is NOT to become someones "hier" or for anyone to become financally responsible for me. Rather the point is to become a part of a real family. Parents or Parent that understands mutual repect and the importance of trust and security in the parent/child relationship. I just wanted erveryone to know this is not about money...it is about something more valuable than just money.

Answer: I don't think anyone specializes in this. Some states only allow such actions when the adoptee is mentally not able to care for themselves. I am in the same situation. I moved out at 15 and was put in foster care after 9 months of living on my own. Sadly the woman who rented my apartment to me got in trouble as well, but still today we are good friends. But I haven't spoke to my family at all since that day I left when I was 15. I graduated high school with honors and not continuing on with nursing school. I always thought I wanted to be adopted. I think everyone wishes for that "perfect" family. I then came to the realization after I left that I didn't NEED a family. It was a WANT. It took a long time to get to the realization that I didn't need the court to legally recognize me as someone's else child. I have 2 sets of "adopted" parents. Of course it was never by law, and they are not financially responsible for me in any manner. But I call them mom and dad and spend all holidays with them. Basically, end of the story, don't go through the courts, it changes nothing. Unless you are looking someone to financially support you, there is no benefit whatsoever.

Question: Have you completed an adult adoption? How do we do the same? My family is looking to make a young adult a permanent, legal member for the purposes of inheritance. Have you ever completed an adult adoption? How can we do this simply and affordably in the Chicago area? Thank you in advance.

Answer: This is the law in Illinois. If your young adult falls under it, then you can file the paperwork yourself. You do not typically need a lawyer. However, Illinois law is a bit trickier since adult adoption does not necessarily eliminate the rights of the biological parents. "ADULTS can be adopted in Illinois. One of the adopting parents must be related to the person being adopted or else the person being adopted must have lived in the home of the adopting parents for at least two consecutive years and the adult must consent to being adopted. " In MN, you can just go to the Clerk of Court in your county and get the paperwork that you need to file and do it all yourself. Don't know about Illinois. If your young adult does not fall under the stated requirements for Illinois, either the adopters or the adoptee can move to a more favorable state, gain residency, and then apply in that state. Complete the adult adoption and then move back. That's what people who live in states that do not allow adult adoption do.

Question: Can an adult adoption take place in a state in which that adult is not a resident? I am 20 years old, and I want to be adopted. The family that wants to adopt me lives in Ohio. However, if under Ohio law I am not eligible to be adopted as an adult, can we have the adoption in another state---even if we are not residents of that state?

Answer: The parties will have to establish residency in another state in order for that State's courts to have jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter. And, in many states, adult adoption is legal. See Texas Family Code §§162.501 et seq. for an example. Ohio is one of a handful of states that does not allow adult adoption except in specific circumstances: States that do not allow most adult adoptions include: # Alabama only allows adults over the age of 18 who are permanently disabled or mentally retarded to be adopted. # Arizona only allows people under the age of 21 to be adopted. # Michigan, # Nebraska # Ohio only allows permanently disabled, mentally retarded persons, or adults who have established a relationship with the adoptive parent(s) through foster care or a step-parent relationship.

Question: Adult adoption when birth parents do not consent to it? I live in Florida. What happens when an adult wants to adopt an adult, (in Florida the original parents/birth parents have to consent) but the birth parents do not consent? What happens when this occurs? Also, where do you file for adult adoption?

Answer: The birth parents do not have to consent for an adult child to do anything. I don't care what state you live in.

Question: Adult adoption if birth parents do not consent? I live in Florida. What happens when an adult wants to adopt an adult, (in Florida the original parents have to consent) but the birth parents do not consent? What happens when this occurs? Also, where do you file for adult adoption? YES YOU CAN adopt an ADULT, and NO, they do not have to be mentally or physically challenged to do so.

Answer: You would file at the county courthouse in the county where you reside, however you could not file for adoption of an adult, an adult unless they are mentally or physically challenged would be able to take care of themselves, you can file for guardianship but if the birth parents have legal control of the persons affairs and assets then you would need a ruling by a court to transfer guardianship.~

Question: In Oregon, does the biological father have to be notified of his adult child's adoption? I am 26 years old and married. I have been estranged from my train wreck of a biological father for quite some time. I have a "step" father that has been in my life as my dad since I was 6 years old. I am now looking into having him adopt me. Does my biological father have to be notified or give consent to the adoption? Also, does anyone know how much it costs to petition for adoption in a no contest, adult adoption case in Oregon? Thanks so much!

Answer: After you are 18 he has no rights regarding you. You can go forward and let the man who was your real father adopt you. He can give you away too. ;)

Question: Is there any way for Adult Adoption In India? I am 27 working with MNC not married yet, I have no compatibility with my father therefore due to some circumstances he want to takeoff from my family so which is a good website for Indian adult Adoption? I am good looking and with good education background. I am seeking for Indian family who want a good sun for their future.

Answer: lol.sorry,but you are too old to be adopted.if only it were that simple!

Question: Adult adoption if birth parent refuses consent? I live in Florida. What happens when an adult wants to adopt an adult, (in Florida the original parents have to consent) but the birth parents do not consent? What happens when this occurs? Also, where do you file for adult adoption? I am an adult and want an adult (not my birth parents) to adopt me.

Answer: Dear Jordan, You do NOT need consent of anyone but the adult being adopted, his or her spouse if they are married, the person adopting him or her and their spouse (if any) the only reason you would need consent from the fist parents or other guardians or caretaker is if the person being adopted is not able to make legal decisions due to mental capacity or some other such reason for incompetence). *****FLORIDA FAMILY CODE***** TITLE VI CIVIL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Chapter 63 ADOPTION 63.042 Who may be adopted; who may adopt.-- (1) Any person, a minor or an adult, may be adopted. (2) The following persons may adopt: (a) A husband and wife jointly; (b) An unmarried adult; or (c) A married person without the other spouse joining as a petitioner, if the person to be adopted is not his or her spouse, and if 1. The other spouse is a parent of the person to be adopted and consents to the adoption; or 2. The failure of the other spouse to join in the petition or to consent to the adoption is excused by the court for good cause shown or in the best interest of the child. 63.062 Persons required to consent to adoption; affidavit of nonpaternity; waiver of venue.-- (8) A petition to adopt an adult may be granted if: (a) Written consent to adoption has been executed by the adult and the adult's spouse, if any. (b) Written notice of the final hearing on the adoption has been provided to the parents, if any, or proof of service of process has been filed, showing notice has been served on the parents as provided in this chapter." **** http://www.adoptingback.com/us_law.html#… Adult adoption is pretty straightforward and simple. You will need to fill out the proper forms to petition for the adoption. These forms can be located at your county probate court. (Adult adoptions are handled in probate court because they mainly are used for inheritance or medical reasons.) Call your local clerk of court and they will assist you. Or you can get them here: http://www.flcourts.org/gen_public/famil… Good luck with everything.

Question: My husband is being adopted (adult adoption) by his step father. How do I change my last name? My husband never had a relationship with his biological father. He is being adopted through adult adoption by his step father. Since we are already married, how do I change my last name to his new last name after the adoption has been completed? Is there a way to amend our marriage license?

Answer: Although I have never heard of this before, I personally think its GREAT. How happy you both must be. Well, since a person can change their name at any time, for any reason, it should not be that difficult. You would simply contact the court for "name change" documents, file them and you're set. Usually these name change documents would be considered divorce, or adoption papers...but in your case, you'll need to complete specific documents to change your last name. Then you can change your name on your SS card, drivers license, and everything else. As far as your marriage license, that's tricky. You'd have to contact your state to see what they allow. I imagine it would be possible but again it would depend on your state rules/regulations. Good luck!

Question: Are foreign nationals on student visa status qualified for adult adoption in the US? Are foreign nationals on student visa status qualified for adult adoption in the US? I live in CT, please help!!

Answer: not if you are over 16

Question: How much does an adult adoption cost in Georgia? I want to adopt an adult and I live in Georgia. What are the cost? Also, will my adopted adult be able to receive my Social Security benefits once I die or while I am still alive?

Answer: Ignore answers that tell you it is not possible. With all the hype about child adoption (legally created in 1852), people forget that adult adoption is a far older and far more traditional legal process (the Romans did it all the time for adult men to adopt adult men to be their legal heirs). Go to your local courthouse and ask for the forms. You likely don't need a lawyer -- I didn't. Costs are usually between $200 and $1000 depending on the state and whether your petition needs to be heard by a judge. I paid $200 to adopt-back my adult son (no hearing required). Here is the legal statute from the Georgia State Code: " Title 19, Chapter 8, Section 21 (19-8-21) " (a) Adult persons may be adopted on giving written consent to the adoption. In such cases, adoption shall be by a petition duly verified and filed, together with two conformed copies, in the superior court in the county in which either any petitioner or the adult to be adopted resides, setting forth the name, age, and residence of each petitioner and of the adult to be adopted, the name by which the adult is to be known, and his written consent to the adoption. The court may assign the petition for hearing at any time. After examining each petitioner and the adult sought to be adopted, the court, if satisfied that there is no reason why the adoption should not be granted, shall enter a decree of adoption and, if requested, shall change the name of the adopted adult. Thereafter, the relation between each petitioner and the adopted adult shall be, as to their legal rights and liabilities, the relation of parent and child. " (b) Code Section 19-8-19, relating to the effect of a decree of adoption, and Code Section 19-8-20, relating to notice of adoption, shall also apply to the adoption of adults."

Question: Under what circumstances would you consider adult adoption? I know most US states permit an adult to adopt another adult. Have you or are you considering being in this situation? Why would you want to adopt an adult? Why would you want to be adopted as an adult?

Answer: I am sure that the intent of the law was to allow people to adopt their own heirs. However, the two occasions where I have seen it done involved foster children. This foster family cared for two children from the time they were in elementary school (I think one was 5 the other 7 - or close to that anyway) but had never been able to adopt them because the state was never able to terminate the biological mother's rights. She always did just enough to avoid termination but never enough to get the kids back. The kids both wanted to be adopted by the foster family. They WERE family, except in the legal system. So, when the kids turned 18, they did adult adoptions on them. In some ways it may seem silly. After all, if it is love that matters, why bother with the paper, right? However, there are a number of legal reasons to formalize such a relationship. FMLA, for instance, does not protect "former foster children" or "friends". That means if the child wanted to care for the parent, or the parent for the child (in case of a car accident, for example) they would not fall under FMLA job protection. (On a side note - this is one place where step-families are protected.) Also, life insurance policies will often make it difficult for people to leave money to someone other than a family member. It CAN be done, but it is a bigger hassle and has a greater chance of being overturned in court. "Next of Kin" is another big reason why formalizing such a decision is necessary. In the case of a tragic accident, unless your arrangment has legal standing, the wishes of your adopted family member is given absolutely no weight - even if no other "next of kin" can be found. That would mean that some social worker or judge would be making life altering decisions instead of your adoptive family. Yuck! The last reason is something I am considering in the future. Handicapped citizens often need a guardian to represent them in the social aid system. However, social aid doesn't recognize anyone who is not related as being a potential guardian. My son's sister is not related to me in the legal sense. She lives with her grandparents, since neither her biological father or mother is even remotely interested in her. However, her grandparets aren't all that young. (In their 50s). It is unlikely they will be able to care for her, or help her navigate the social services system when she is older. I love her dearly, and would like to adopt her if she wishes it when she has a choice in the matter.

Question: Can someone tell me more about adult adoption? I know that when someone has MRDD or some form of mental handicap and can not care for themselves they can be adopted and or have a guardian. But being on here i have heard of adult adoption. Where a fully functioning adult has another one adopt them What does this mean? Are you abel to make your own legal decisons after this or is the person who adopts you become your guradian and POA

Answer: In most states (not all) an adult can adopt another adult. What this does is create a new parent - adult child situation and cancels the old arrangment. The most common instances involve inheritance, medical decisionmaking, unable to adopt person as a child, and reclaiming family. Cases where you are adopting an adult with a mental handicap do require involvement of a social worker, home study and such. Cases that I know of personally (none were had mental handicaps: Foster parent adopting foster child - legally impossible when f-child was under 18. Aunt adopting niece - parents are fanatical and this prevents them from having legal access to her children in event of her death. First mom adopts reunited daughter who was adopted at birth Elderly couple adopts guy who was already taking care of them and owned their home. Allowed him to enforce medical care that they wanted (their adult kids, who never visited, had other ideas). Couple adopted single mom - she grew up in foster care; this gave her children grandparents. Several cases of stepparent adoption of adult child. A power of attorney is completely different, btw. For one thing, a POA can be revoked, while adoption can't.

Question: Does anyone know how to do adult adoption in Oklahoma? I'm trying to adopt two boys that I've had in my care for years. Neither has a living father and I've had custody for six years. Does anyone know the process required in Oklahoma?

Answer: Looks like you can do it "§10-7501-1.1. An adult person may be adopted by any other adult person, with the consent of the person to be adopted or his guardian, if the court shall approve, and with the consent of the spouse, if any, of an adoptive parent, filed in writing with the court. The provisions of Sections 9 through 36 of this act shall not apply to the adoption of a competent adult person. A petition therefor shall be filed with the district court in the county where the adoptive parents reside. After a hearing on the petition and after such investigation as the court deems advisable, if the court finds that it is to the best interests of the people involved, a decree of adoption may be entered which shall have the legal consequences stated in Section 37 of this act."

Question: How do I get Adult Adoption Forms for the state of Texas? I'm adopting my 18 year old step-daughter (YES you can do that) and I need the forms to file.

Answer: go to the website for Tx statistics. Look under adoption. You should find it.

Question: my name is spelled wrong on my birth certificate after an adult adoption how do i fix it? I was adopted after my 18th birthday. I'm now almost 21 and still trying to change my name on my license but on the new birth certificate my first name is spelled wrong how do i fix it?

Answer: You have to look up the details for wherever you live. It's probably involves a lot of paper work.

Question: Is there an adult adoption agency? I am just wondering because I understand there are alot of children that age out of social services care without parents. Surely someone has set something up to help them find a family by now lol. I'm not really looking for an organization for help or volunteering. Merely just an adoption agency for adults. If some exist for international adoptions I don't understand how something doesn't exist for the children who age out of the system.

Answer: Dear KA, There are adoption agencies who handle adult adoptions but they are really something that can be handled through a probate court. In most cases they can be completed without a lawyer. States have different laws pertaining to adult adoption and people need to know the statutes for their location. Simply call the local probate attorney or Probate Court Clerk to get the information for your area. Many states even offer the necessary forms and instructions on their State Court/Justice Website. Here are some links about adult adoption that I think are pretty informative: http://www.adoptingback.com/us_law.html http://adoption.about.com/od/typesofadop… http://adopting.adoption.com/child/adopt… Sadly, many people who age out of foster care never find families. Too many kids age out and are left to fend for themselves with no support. Many end up homeless, poverty stricken or struggling to survive. They are forced to make choices that many people would never dream of and they have to work harder and without support than other people. It is unfair and a poor reflection on our society. There are organizations to help and support these kids but more needs to be done to ensure that these HUMAN BEINGS are not forgotten and discarded simply because they have reached legal majority. http://www.fostercarealumni.org/ http://orphan.org/index.php http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fe… ETA: If you Google "Adult Adoption" you will get hits for agencies that handle adult adoption. I am not aware of any that specialize in it as a service other than just facilitating the paperwork (and probably charging insane fees to do it.) I can not find one with anything proactive, such as "matching" adults with families or recruiting perspective parents.

Question: Is there any such thing as adult adoption? Mainly to get into a family, not specifically looked after?

Answer: Yes there is such thing as adult adoption, although the rules may be different state to state. there was someone I knew who was adopted in her twenties so that she could legal join a family--but that was 10 years ago, don't know if the laws have changed. You should contact an adoption attorney if you are interested in doing that, they only work on adoptions and know the laws in great detail.

Question: Where can buy (download) Adult Adoption Forms for the state of Texas? I need the following documents to file at the district court: 1. Original Petition to Adopt an Adult. 2. Consent by Adult to be Adopted 3. Motion to Waive Attendance by Petitioner in Suit to Adopt Adult. (I'm over seas)

Answer: Your best bet is to contact the clerk of the court where it would be filed and see if they have a form you would be able to use. In the alternative, locate a law library and take a look at the Family Law reference sections. Another option may be to look at a public records of other adult adoptions (e.g., as the clerk of the court or maybe you can find something accessible online). You may be able to use previously filed documents as a guide to creating your own. Finally, you can contact a Texas attorney who specializes in adult adoption. A quick Google search came up with several listings.

Question: If I were to move to the US from the UK, would I be able to put myself up for adult adoption? I have a terrible family life where I have been through constant neglect and I'm desperate to be adopted, but I'm 18, and I know it's too late under the UK adoption laws. Any advice? :(

Answer: No, you're too old to qualify: http://adoption.state.gov/about/how/chil… But, you're 18, you're an adult - why don't you move there on your own - you'll soon make friends :) good luck :) xx Edit: apparently you can in California: http://www.adopting.org/adoptions/califo… :) xx