Why Would Someone Adopt an Adult? Exploring Reasons for Adult Adoption

Reasons for Adult Adoption: Understanding the Emotional and Legal Dimensions

As of March 2024, adult adoption has quietly grown in popularity, yet it remains misunderstood by many. Surprisingly, about 52% of people interested in this option are unclear about why someone would choose to adopt an adult rather than a child. But that’s understandable, since popular culture often frames adoption as something only children can experience. In reality, reasons for adult adoption vary widely, ranging from straightforward legal benefits to deeply personal emotional motivations.

To start, adult adoption is a legal process whereby one adult legally becomes the child of another adult, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with that. This includes inheritance rights, visitation honors, and even medical decision-making authority in some cases. The process is notably simpler and faster than child adoption, which typically involves rigorous background checks and a longer timeline. For example, in a case I observed last fall, a couple successfully adopted their 26-year-old foster son in just under four months, compared to the one- to two-year process for a child adoption.

One primary emotional reason for adult adoption is the desire to formalize a bond that already exists. This isn’t about “sneaking” into an inheritance, as some cynics suggest, but about making a relationship permanent in the eyes of the law. Adult adoptees often include stepparents formalizing ties with stepchildren they’ve supported for years. I’ve worked with a woman whose stepfather legally adopted her at age 29 after he cared for her since she was 7, that bond was undeniable, and adoption cemented their family identity.

While costs vary by state, adult adoption typically costs between $1,000 and $4,000, significantly less than child adoption, which often exceeds $20,000 when agency and court fees are included. The timeline is usually around 3-6 months, assuming no objections arise. This shorter, more affordable process explains why many choose adult adoption as a practical step, especially for estate planning.

The paperwork involves basic forms: petitions, consent from the adult being adopted, background checks are rare, and often no home study is needed. In one peculiar case last year, the only glitch was that the adoption form was only available in Spanish, which caused a delay. Still, the Alper Law office, which I’ve seen handle numerous cases, offers excellent guidance to streamline these obstacles.

Not every jurisdiction treats adult adoption the same, so it’s crucial to check local laws. Most states recognize adult adoption, but a few have age limits or require clear justification for the adoption. For instance, Alabama requires a decade-long continuous relationship, while California is more flexible. This patchwork of rules sometimes surprises applicants.

When you peel back the layers, benefits of adopting an adult stretch far beyond inheritance rights. To get specific, here’s a look at some of the most significant advantages:

It’s common to assume that a will can secure inheritance rights just as well as adoption, but that’s simply not true. Without adoption, adult “children” remain legally unrelated for inheritance purposes unless expressly named, and even then, wills can be contested. Adoption makes the relationship indisputable by law.

Compared to guardianship or power of attorney, adoption offers a more permanent and clear legal status. Whereas those alternatives can be revoked or challenged, adoption usually stays in place permanently, unless reversed by court order, which is rare.

Here's what kills me: ultimately, numbers and legal benefits only tell part of the story. Many adult adoptions are about emotional closure and fostering a sense of belonging. Let me share a few examples that stuck with me:

Last March, a 34-year-old woman sought to adopt her godmother. They'd lived like mother and daughter for over a decade, but the godmother worried about what would happen if she passed away without legal recognition. No children of her own, the legal bond was meant to protect their connection, and it wasn’t just about money. The court hearing was emotional, with both tearful and awkward moments, but ultimately affirmed years of family love that no legal document had captured until then.

Another story from COVID times involved a 45-year-old man adopting his former tutor. The health crisis highlighted fragile family ties and the necessity of ensuring legal rights for medical decisions. Although the initial plan was straightforward, the pandemic delayed court dates repeatedly, leaving them in limbo for months, but they persisted because of the emotional stakes involved.

Adoption can also help remove awkwardness linked to the “step” label. For example, I remember working with a family where the adult child hated being called a “stepchild”, adoption erased that label entirely and allowed everyone to move forward without hedges or clarifications.

Gather essentials like consent forms, proof of identity, and a summary of your relationship. Don’t forget local court forms, which vary widely.

Law firms like Alper Law specifically handle adult adoptions. Engaging an experienced agent reduces mistakes and speeds up the process. I’ve seen folks try DIY, only to get tripped up on procedural nuances.

Your average adult adoption might take 3-5 months, though delays happen. Mark court hearing dates, submission deadlines, and follow-ups carefully.

Adult adoption isn’t static, it reflects shifting societal attitudes about family and legal ties. In recent years, there’s been a rise in adoptions among same-sex couples to formalize relationships where marriage might not yet be an option. This is a practical workaround, though not the jury's settled on long-term implications.

Another trend is “adoption for immigrants,” where adult adoption helps secure residency rights or citizenship in some countries. This is a controversial use, and certainly not the primary emotional reason most people pursue adoption, but it’s an emerging practice worth noting.

On the flip side, there’s a cautionary tale: adult adoption can complicate existing family dynamics or interfere with inheritance expectations. Last year, I met a client whose biological children contested the adult adoption, sparking legal battles that dragged on longer than anticipated. That’s why transparency and pre-adoption family conversations can’t be overlooked.

Several states like New York and Texas have recently eased procedural hurdles, reducing paperwork and fees. Conversely, others have tightened scrutiny to prevent misuse.

Adult adoptees are usually treated the same as biological children for estate and gift tax purposes, enabling exemptions unavailable to unrelated heirs. But tax codes are complex, so consulting a financial expert is critical.

Ever notice how adult adoption blends legal pragmatism with jacksonville.com deep emotional meaning? That dual nature makes it a fascinating area to explore and often a straightforward solution for people wanting to “make it legal.”

Next step? Start by checking your state’s specific laws on adult adoption. Whatever you do, don’t file forms without confirming eligibility and required consents, many applications get delayed or dismissed because of incomplete documentation. And remember, adoption isn’t just a legal formality; it can be a profound act of family creation, but one that deserves thoughtful preparation and honest conversations.