In this scenario, how does adoption work?

Question

This might be kind of complicated... sorry

When I was born my biological father left. A couple years later my mom got married to my Dad (he's the dad because he was the first Daddy I ever knew and I grew up with him). Things however didn't work out and my parents divorced. It's been about 8 years now and I want him and his family to adopt me. I'm 17 and I would like to know if it's still possible and where I can look to find some more information about it (since the only adoption info i can find is like international stuff and for little kids) Also would I have to have my mother's consent since she has full custody or is this where emancipation kicks in (or how does emancipation work exactly?)? Thank you all for your responses I really appreciate it!

Answer 1

In some states, an adult can adopt an adult. Here's a site for you:

http://adoptuskids.com/resourceCenter/ph...

This isn't exactly what you're looking for, but it will get you to a site that talks about older children adoption in your state (provided you're in the US) and perhaps get you to the resources that you need.

Just because you're almost an adult, that doesn't mean that you don't need a family. Families do so much more than change your diapers when you're a baby! Good luck, and i hope you find what you're looking for.

Answer 2

if you get emancipated you will not need to be adopted because then you are treated as an adult.  better talk to your mom about this, does she not care for you?  It is a little confusing as to why you are cutting your mom out

Answer 3

Hi I understand at times things seem difficult, but with you being 17 years old, it is really a little late to be adopted by the only dad u ever really knew.   I am sure that he feels like you are a daughter to him, but for him to take that responsibiliyt with you age now is really kind of useless.  If you were a younger teen I could understand, but you are nearly an adult....  And you will be leading your own life in a year or two.  And its all about how you feel in the heart then.   Hope you can understand

Answer 4

Yes, it is still 'possible' for your 'dad' and his family to 'adopt you' ... but since your mom has 'full custody' you would need her consent (you are not an adult yet) ... and you should at least 'ask her' because she may say that it's okay, or just ask you to 'wait until you are 18' ...

While generally 'adoption' is done because a child is 'young' and needs adults to 'protect and raise it' there are also 'other reasons' for adopting a person ... because once you are adopted you may have 'rights of inheritance' and may even be 'held accountable' if an 'adopted relative' dies with no money and owes lots of money that MUST be 'paid off.'

So, YOU can NOT 'adopt them' without them agreeing to adopt you ... and THAT is where you should 'start' with this.  If you all 'agree' (or if you and your 'Dad' agree) then you should get an 'adoption attorney' to help you through all of the paperwork and legalities TOGETHER.  

One last thing ... you will be an adult when you turn 18 ... so WHY do you want this 'legal adoption' to take place?  I was 'legally adopted' by my 'step father' and I never see him (or want to see him again) ... nor do I want to see my 'half sister' (my biological mom and my adopted 'dad's' child) ... but I have two 'unofficially adopted grandaughters' and an 'unofficially adopted sister' who are my 'real relatives' and whom I will 'love completely and forever' ... so you need to 'think long and hard' about EXACTLY WHAT IT IS YOU WANT AND WHY ... and I hope you make 'the right decision' for you for now and for the rest of your life.  

'Emancipation' is when a 'minor child' PROVES to a Judge in a 'courtroom setting' that s/he is 'able to live on his/her own, and does not need parental guardianship' ... and its not even available in all states.  You can NOT get 'emancipated' unless you are 'living alone and supporting yourself' ... and that is a 'separate legal issue' that can 'affect' your adoption desires, but could actually be 'against them' ... if you 'want to and can live alone' WHY would you want to be 'adopted' ???

Answer 5

I wouldn't make you feel worse for the world but you need to sit down with MOM and let her know that a MOTHER shouldn't choose some male slob in her life over YOU. You are not an adult yet and this "bad tempered" man in your Mom's life is ruining everything.  Your mother has some self esteem issues if she's allowing some jerk nobody to come in and make all of your lives miserable.  Your mom could talk to the only Dad you've ever known  and let you go live with him whether your adopted or not.  Only be sure to tell the "slob" the money train stops the moment you leave...(He's not a man, he's a coward and a control freak)

Yes, your Dad can adopt you if everyone agrees to it...tell the "slob" this will also stop the money train.  Why is he standing in line for that money? It isn't his!!!  It's for your care!!

I wish you all the best and please for those of you who don't understand what you want:  Daughters' develop their identities from the Father's.   It evidently a point for your life that you very much want.  So go and get it!!  Being a part of a family is everything.  It makes us feel connected to others and gives us our "home base" for many other things in our lives. Try to forgive your Mother for failing you in this area. When she "wakes up" she'll have plenty of guilt to get rid of.

You should be grateful you got as much from your Dad as you have received so far in your life....You sound so strong!! I hope your Dad is very proud of you.