Adult adoption is a straightforward process with minimal requirements. We have vast experience processing adult adoptions throughout California. While you don’t have to hire an attorney to file and finalize an adult adoption, our clients appreciate knowing that their case is managed by an expert, ensuring that the process goes quickly and smoothly. You won’t have to stress over which forms you need and how to draft and file them,. Most important, we offer an affordable flat fee price.
Adult Adoption: The Basic Requirements
An adult, including a stepparent, can adopt another adult in California.
- The adult adoptee and adoptive parent must be at least eighteen years old.
- An adult adoptee must be younger than the adopting parent.
- Everyone must agree to the adoption in writing, including each party’s spouse.
- You do not need consent of the biological or parents, and you may waive the termination of parental rights of biological parents.
- One party must be a California resident to file the petition in California.
- A finalization hearing is required, and may be attended remotely.
- There are other special rules and requirements if the adult adoptee is developmentally disabled.
How to adopt an adult
Adult adoption is usually a straightforward process. Our attorneys (read more about us) can represent either the adult adoptee or the adopting parents, and in many cases we can represent both at the same time. For a flat fee, we will:
- Prepare and file all necessary paperwork to get you to your finalization hearing and to change your name, if you wish.
- Schedule and prepare you for your finalization hearing. We will also be available by telephone during your hearing if something comes up (it never does!).
- Request an amended birth certificate, if you wish.
- Provide notice, which is rare, if the court requests it.
Adult adoptions may be completed quickly, usually within just a few weeks depending on how busy the court’s calendar is.
Why adult adoption?
Adopting an adult legalizes the relationship between the adult adoptee and the adoptive parents. For many, the adoption symbolizes the love and commitment to each other and to family. Others choose adult adoption to make inheritance rights smoother and easier. When the adoption is finalized, the adoptee has all of the same rights and responsibilities as a biological child. The adoption does not change immigration status. Read more about this on the US Department of Homeland Security website.
Why work with an attorney on your adult adoption?
You don’t need an attorney to process and finalize your adult adoption. However, many clients hire us so they can hand the entire process over and not stress about it.
- Only a few courts in California have do-it-yourself forms, so we routinely must create all the documents necessary for court filings.
- We can quickly and easily respond to the courts’ questions and can efficiently resolve any issues that come up that might cause delays, especially when the court loses documents.
Call us today for a 15 minute complimentary consultation. We’d be happy to discuss your questions and concerns about adult adoption and whether you need an attorney. The quickest way to reach us: (925) 945-1880 or click here to contact us via email.