How do I adopt my teenage daughter?

Question

I have a (step)daughter who has been mine since she was six. She is now almost 20. We have talked about it a lot and decided to give it a go. Her bio mom is out of the picture and her dad (my ex) won't communicate with her. She lives with me. We are not sure of the steps to take to do this. I hope it is not a lot of money either. Can anyone please tell me the steps to take to begin adoption proceedings for this beautiful 20 year old?

Answer 1

I was 18 years old when my Mom adopted me and I did the adoption myself.  Just contact your county's Surrogate's Office and they will help you with the forms you need.  Even though she is 20 you may have to undergo a background check (just a formality).  Once that is done, you will have a hearing which takes about 10 minutes at most.  When it's done, she will legally be your daughter and you will legally be her mother.

I know it's "just a piece of paper" to some but it meant the world to me and my Mom and I'm sure it will be to both of you.

I wish you both the best!

Answer 2

She's 20?

Answer 3

My cousin had his step mom adopt him when he was over 18. Both his parents are still involved, his mom to a lesser extent. It is possible, just not sure how to do it. I'm sure if you talked to an adoption agency or a lawyer, they could give you some info. Good luck!

Answer 4

adopt her no matter what other people say, if you think u can be her legal mom just do it.

Answer 5

To adopt a child as long as it is non contested ran me about 1,500 in Texas, but I have to ask why would you adopt a grown woman? A peice of paper is not going to make any difference. Just change her last name if that is what this is about. My step dad has always been my 'real' father, and left me everything when he died. He never adopted me. The great thing about being grown is that you get to choose who your family is, but you do not have to 'legally' adopt her. She is already very much your daughter. If you are doing it to protect her part of your estate, you could always just write a will and have it notarized. It is alot cheaper to hire a good attorney to write a binding will than to adopt.

Answer 6

Adult adoption is possible and done all the time! Many times the paperwork can be done and filed on your own without a lawyer.. Try looking at  rapidadoption.com  tey can help you!

Answer 7

I live in California.  It's really easy to do one here, so I imagine the process isn't much different in other states.  Here, you just file paperwork with the county courthouse, and pay a fee.  It's only about $100.00.  After that, you just wait until the judge signs the paperwork.  Because the adoptee is an adult, there is no concern with any parental rights of her mother and father or anything like that.

Answer 8

Well I would think it would be easier since she is of legal age, so she does not need the approval of either of her biological parents.  Good luck I don’t think it will be very hard since you both want this, you might have fees for court but as said you might  not even need a lawyer.

State Laws on Adult adoption.

http://adopting.adoption.com/child/state...

Answer 9

Call a lawyer and ask or family court