How does one adopt an adult.?

Question

Im in the military and I have had guardianship of a girl now for 6 years. She is now almost 20 years old and has given up on waiting for her bio parents to step up. She has asked me to adopt her. The military doesnt do these types of adoption and I really would like to do this myself. How do I do this and where do I start.

Answer 1

You can't adopt an adult over 18 years of age.......You can legally do it but thru the court system but she of course being an adult would have to agree.... but what i would recommend is have her go to court to change her last name to ur last name and then say she's ur daugther........... I dunno what else u could do

Answer 2

How did you get legal guardianship of a 20 year old?  Does she have disabilities that she needs help?  

In the case to adopt an adult, you must make sure it is legal in your state, if she is able to make a decision on her own, she can sign the papers for consent to adopt.  You'll probably want to do this at an attorney's office, and then it will go before a judge.  This is complex with the guardianship, and if possible, and she's not able, you can try to get the bio parents to sign consents for adoption.

If on the off-chance you are doing this because of a foreign country's beliefs, and plan on marrying this girl in the future, if you adopt her it will be illegal, as she will be your daughter.

Answer 3

I was legal adopted by my father when I was 20 so yes you can still be adopted after 18. You can even have the birth certificate changed over to state your name. Just go to or call your state court office (normally in your capitol) they should have all the information on how you go about it. After it takes place you will have to notify the state she was born in to have the birth certificate changed over. In my case it was only my biological father that was out of the picture, so my "step" father was the one adopting me, however for official reasons my biological mother also had to adopt me. I hope this helps and best of luck to you I completely understand the desire to belong to someone.

Answer 4

Check with a lawyer - perhaps even look into one who specializes in adoption.

You can adopt an adult.

Many adoptees get re-adopted by their first parents.

I would assume that unlike normal adoption - you would not need to get permission from the first parents - as the person in question is no longer a child. (ie they don't need to relinquish their parental rights)

She could also just have her named changed to yours - this may be a cheaper option - and as an adult - she can give the permission for this - just a thought.

I wish you both all the best.

Answer 5

you don't. Once they are legally 18 or over they are considered independent adults and therefore uneligible for adoption.