Can you legally be adopted after turning 18 yrs. old?

Question

My younger sister turned 18 last October. She is going through some teenage angst and is mad at my mom. She called my mom on Mother's Day and told her that she had another woman legally adopt her. I know she was just being hateful to my mom, but I'd like to find out if it's even possible to be adopted after becoming of legal age. It seems like a waste of money to do so, but my sister is set on anything b/c she's mad at my mom. I live in the United States (Arkansas) and I wanted to know if this is legally possible.

Answer 1

wow, your sister sounds incredibly immature.

1. No, I don't think (although I'm not positive) that you can be adopted after you are 18

2. you can't be adopted unless your birth parents give up their rights to you, so in this case, it isn't legally possible for your sister to have been adopted

Answer 2

since there is no national unified code for adoption here in the united states, i'd have to say that since some states allow adoption of an adult (that is to say, someone who has reached the age of majority, which is generally 18) that, yes, she could indeed have been legally adopted.  it is generally not thought of, but, anyone, at any age, actually is open to being adopted.  usually this is done to legalize relationships, provide inheritance benefits, and things like that.  and, by adopting someone over the age of 18, then there was no need for the court to contact your family, and advise them of the proceedings.  to be honest, i don't think that you could even get access to any records, if they exist.  so, yes, it is possible.  i'm sorry.

Answer 3

I didn't believe it myself, but after recently taking classes in Wisconsin to get foster care/adoption certified, they did tell us that anyone CAN be adopted at any age.

Answer 4

Your mom would have to sign over her rights to have someone legally adopt her and this has to go through the court system and I think a judge would see your sister for what she is a 18 year old that has a lot to learn.

Answer 5

Yes.  There are variety of reasons why someone would choose to do this after being of legal age.  Many times it's because then the relationship between two people in child/parent form is legalized for inheritance reasons.  Other times it's to formalize the relationship so there is no question that they people consider themselves family.  Even in adoption, there are some who have been adopted as children that end up severing the ties once they are adults and return to becoming official children legally of their biological parents.

Answer 6

People over the age of 18 are not subject to being adopted; they are legally adults.  

Maybe "committed" is an option here???????

Answer 7

A legal adult can ABSOLUTELY be legally adopted... My kids were adopted by my husband (their stepdad) as soon as they all turned 18 and their natural father counldn't interfere...

Answer 8

no its not. its possible to treat someone else like your natural mother but not legally.

Answer 9

Yes there is adult adoption where you can adopt an adult.  I'm not sure how it works though.

Answer 10

In some states, it's possible. I believe your sister would just have to sign it. Being an adult, I don't believe there's any "loss of parental rights" to deal with because she is legally an adult. We were recently at an adoption event and met a young man who is turning 18 next month and still very much wants someone to call Mom and Dad permanently. I'm not sure I want to embark on that venture, but I do want to say that just because you're 18 doesn't mean you no longer need parents.

Answer 11

It is possible- a lot of g*y couples got legal benefits that way before civil unions came around.  They may or may not have closed that loophole in Arkansas though...

Answer 12

When you're 28, you cannot be adopted. Your sister is blatantly lying to your mother, and needs a good smack in the mouth.

Answer 13

nope sorry dude ur outta luck

Answer 14

yes it is but some people do for legal purposes like if they die they want that person to inherit what they have and it is easier if they were legally connected :)

Answer 15

I know it is in some states.  Wierd......

Answer 16

i agree with you, she's an adult now, even older persons who are handicapped don't get adopted, they give other people power of attorney to care for them and their finances but not to adopt them. she's just being silly.

Answer 17

it is legally possible until the age of 19 here who are in the system...don't know about people who aren't, but your mother would have to have lost her rights / given her up for your sister to be adopted.  I don't know what went on between them, but that was pretty nasty to say on mothers day!

Answer 18

I believe you can. But you'd have to call your local state officials to know for sure