{"id":351559,"date":"2018-11-27T18:49:30","date_gmt":"2018-11-27T23:49:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/family\/adoption\/adult-adoption-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-09-30T13:17:00","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T18:17:00","slug":"adult-adoption-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/adult-adoption-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Adult Adoption Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Adult Adoption Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Adult adoption is a type of adoption where an older adult legally adopts a younger adult. The adoption establishes a legal parent-child relationship.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Adult adoption can occur for several reasons. Some reasons include formalizing a relationship with a stepchild or helping someone with disabilities. Adoption laws<\/a> govern adult adoptions as well as other types of adoptions. <\/p>\r\n

Most adoptions involve babies and children under the age of majority (generally 18 years of age). But most states also allow for the adoption of adults<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n

The following provides a general primer on adult adoption laws, including examples of state adoption laws<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Adult Adoption Defined<\/h2>\r\n

Adult adoption is a type of adoption<\/a> where an older adult adopts a younger adult. The adoption creates a legal parent-child relationship between the adults.<\/p>\r\n

Adult adoption is also different from guardianship. Legal guardianship<\/a> is intended to safeguard and provide for a disabled adult. Guardians can make legal, financial, and health decisions on the person’s behalf.<\/p>\r\n

Adoption agencies rarely, if ever, play a role in adult adoptions.<\/p>\r\n

Reasons for Adopting an Adult<\/h2>\r\n

Adult adoption is uncommon, but the legal arrangement can provide important benefits. Adult adoption is generally done for the following reasons:<\/p>\r\n

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  1. Inheritance rights<\/li>\r\n
  2. Formalizing an existing parental relationship<\/li>\r\n
  3. Perpetual care for a disabled adult<\/li>\r\n
  4. Reconnecting with birth family<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    One of the most common reasons to adopt an adult is to establish legal inheritance rights. The adopted person has the same legal relationship as biological heirs. The adoptee can inherit from those who die without a will. Adult adoption provides more protection for those who die with<\/i> a valid will<\/a> in place if anyone contests the will.<\/p>\r\n

    In other instances, an adult may formalize the parent-child relationship with a stepparent or former foster parent. This may include a name change. Of course, the adoption also affects the adoptee’s inheritance rights.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

    Adult adoption can also help a disabled or mentally challenged adult get needed care. For instance, someone who adopts a developmentally disabled adult may add them to their health insurance coverage, make important decisions on their behalf<\/a>, and ensure through inheritance that they’re covered financially after the adoptive parent dies.<\/p>\r\n

    Finally, after finding their birth family, an adult adoptee may choose to be adopted by the family of origin. Adult adoption can also help when fathers connect with children they didn’t know they had.<\/p>\r\n

    State Adult Adoption Laws<\/h2>\r\n

    State laws<\/a> govern the conditions and availability of adult adoption. Some states forbid it. If allowed, adult adoption generally requires proof of a parent-child relationship or a specified age difference between the adoptive parent(s) and the adoptee.<\/p>\r\n

    If you’re considering the adoption of an adult, you’ll want to take a closer look at the laws of your state. The following is a sampling of state adult adoption laws:<\/p>\r\n