It is legal to adopt both adults and little children. The most basic requirement is the voluntary consent of the adopted adult. The court will issue a new certificate of birth. The document severs the custodial or biological attachments of the individual to his existing family. The adopted adult can begin using his new last name.
In most cases, adopting an adult precede the distribution of an inheritance. Any adopted adult has the legal right to assume the estate of a dead loved one.
The second most popular reason for adopting an adult is to make formal any child-parent relationship. This happens when parents want to acknowledge adult children they did not know they had; or vice versa. In this case, the adoption formalizes the relationship.
Finally, adult adoption is also possible for those who wanted to provide perpetual care to a disabled or incapacitated individual. Through the adoption, the adoptive individuals assume the responsibility of caring for the patient.
Adult adoption varies from state to state. Some states require formal notifications. Other states require formal agreements between the parties. Information may be obtained from the Office of the Secretary of State.
It is interesting to note that there are adult adoptions that end up being rejected. The most popular reason for rejection is an existing sexual relationship between the parties. Since the intention of adult adoption is to establish a parent-child relationship, any existing sexual relationship prohibits the adoption.
Difference in age may also be a potential reason for the adult adoption to be rejected. In most states, it is required that the adopting party should be older that the adopted adult.
Frauds, whether alleged or real, may also cause the rejection of an adult adoption. In most cases, fraud relates to marital issues, insurance claims and inheritance.
Anyone who would enter into the process of adult adoption should seek the advice of an attorney. He will be able to supply the needed information to have the adoption process begin on the right track.