Adult Adoption

Adult adoptions are a beautiful choice to affirm the relationship of parent and child. Sometimes adult adoptions are stepparent adoptions or grandparent adoptions.  Other times, the adoptive parent(s) are not related by blood.  Many of the typical requirements, such as a home study or waiting period, are waived in adult adoptions. The primary condition for an adult adoption is consent by the parties.  Sometimes adult siblings are adopted together at the same time.

A common question is whether the biological parent whose rights are being terminated must be notified.  Since there is no defense to termination of parental rights in an adult adoption, notifying the individual whose rights will be terminated may not be necessary.  That individual has no right to a hearing to contest the adoption. 

At the Adoption Law Center, your attorney will discuss your history with the individuals involved.  We will explain your options so that you can make the best decision for you and your family.  Some clients choose not to provide notice to avoid tension, to preserve a relationship with siblings, or due to a history of abuse and neglect.  

For adoptions of individuals 21 years and younger, inheritance laws apply the same to an adult adoptee as a biological child.  However, if the adoptee is over 21 at the time of the adoption, the parents must specifically identify the adult child by name in their will to ensure the adoptee will be an heir of the estate.  Sometimes families are reluctant to discuss this, but it is an important part of protecting the people you love the most.  We recommend that our clients specifically name the individuals you wish to be the beneficiaries of your estate to avoid confusion and/or conflict while grieving a family member.  We can refer you to an attorney that can prepare a will and estate plan at a reasonable rate.

Typically, the only court appearance for an adult adoption is the final hearing.  This is a special day, and usually involves some tears of joy and relief as the relationship of parent and child is finally acknowledged under the law after many years of love and commitment.  

A request for a name change can also be included in the Petition.  As with all adoptions, the court orders that a new birth certificate be prepared that reflects the parental relationships established in the adoption decree and any name change requested.

The Adoption Law Center, PLLC regularly handles adult adoptions, having finalized dozens in Davidson County, Sumner County, Perry County, Robertson County, Rutherford County, Williamson County, and Wilson County. 

If you have questions about adult adoption, contact us at 615-543-8640 or [email protected].