Can my dad's brother adopt me?

Question

My dad wants his brother to adopt me because he has some financial issues and his brother can take care of me finacially like pay for college and stuff. I'm 19 years old and live in new york. So I wanted to know if its possible to be adopted...and if it is how long does this process take.

Answer 1

your 19.

Answer 2

Hi <3,

Since you are over the age of 18, you may legally be adopted by any other adult if both of you consent to it.  You do not need your parent's permission to do so.  An attorney specializing in family law can assist you.  It is inexpensive and does not take long at all.  No home studies required in your case.  The question is whether or not it is necessary.

Here are some pros & cons to help you think it over first:

Are you aware if you go through with being adopted by your uncle, that will permanently alter your legal connection with your original family?  Your dad will become your legal uncle.  Your uncle will become your legal dad.  Your cousins will become your legal siblings.  Your siblings will become your legal cousins.  A new birth certificate will be prepared stating your uncle is your biological father.  The original people who gave birth to you will not be listed on it.  Due to bad current U.S. adoption laws, your original birth certificate will be permanently sealed & you will never be legally entitled to receive another copy of it nor use it for any future purpose.  Even if you are later adopted back by your parents or by anyone else, you can never get your original one back.

Being adopted can also cause problems if you ever wish to get a passport because of the delays between the birth & filing dates.  

It could effect your ability to get into certain occupations due to the security clearance required.

Some adoptees have reported problems with their ability to vote, although I personally have not experienced this one.

Your rights to benefit from health insurance coverage under your original family could change.  Your rights to collect from any life insurance policies could change if you are listed on them.    

It will also affect your ability to inherit from your natural family members unless they change their wills to specifically include your new name, your relationship, and what you are to inherit from them.  

You might not be considered "immediate family" should your mother, father or a sibling become ill & hospitalized.

So now that you have seen a few of the disadvantages, here are some alternatives:

You could still live with your uncle as his niece.  Even if you are not living with him, he could still contribute towards your education expenses & you could maintain your own name & your own original family.  If you were younger, I would have recommended guardianship over adoption.

With your grades you might qualify for scholarships.  You may also be eligible for education grants, or you could take out low-interest government student loans that you repay after graduation.  You can apply for them at your college's financial aid office.  You could even take out loans from your uncle if he would agree to it.

To sum it up, please think carefully before going through with an adoption plan.  I would not recommend it for you in this case because it's not necessary.  I believe relatives should be able to help each other out without having to be adopted by them, particularly at your age.  Good luck with your studies, & thanks for asking.

julie j

reunited adoptee

Answer 3

If he is a person of sound mind and good character there would be no problem. Good luck.

Answer 4

You're 19.  You're legally an adult.  I don't understand.

Answer 5

i don't see why your uncle can't just pay your fees without adopting you.,i don't understand.you seem old to be adopted,but even so,it is something you may regret when you are older.also,i know it is hard but most students have to work to supplement their studies.it is just the way life is.good luck!

Answer 6

Yes  it is possible, not sure on how long the proccess takes, sorry.