Until what age can a person legally adopt someone?

Question

I don't have chiIdren of my own, but, I would like to adopt my 19 year old god-daughter is that still possible?

Answer 1

She is over 18 and therefore not considered a "minor child".

If there is some reason she and you would like her to be "officially" your daughter, though, there is nothing to stop her from changing her name to yours through the court system.  Courts allow name changes as long as there is a good reason.  This, of course, would not change her birth certificate the way adoption would have.

Answer 2

I don't think you can adopt a 19 year old.  Most states it's until they are 17.  At 18 they are considered an adult.  Unless there is some sort of mental disorder, then I believe exceptions can be made.

Answer 3

Adoption is only up to the age of 18, and then afterwards its not allowed.  But first of all was your god-daughter a dependent of the court? If so, then you will not be able to, because most children are not adopted at that age.  Oh, yeah it also depends on what your states guidelines are about that as well, each state varies.

Answer 4

Not for custody, but for the formality you can go to court to get her legally as your daughter. Then if you die, she will have full rights as your heir because you took care of the paperwork!

Otherwise, you can leave her everything in a will ... I dont know what an adoption process would cost for an adult.

Answer 5

She already an adult.You can't adopt a someone over 18.

Answer 6

Yes, it is possible to adopt an adult in many, if not all, states.  This is primarily for inheritance reasons, but sometimes it's because they do not want their former family members to make medical decisions for them OR there has been a severe rift that they no longer want association with the former family OR they have no other family. On one of my group lists, a birthdaughter (around 30) was adopted by her birthmother after the death of the adoptive parents (does not require the adoptive parents permission, BTW).  This could be particularly healing for some who were adopted into poor quality homes.   In my state, you only need the consent of the adult being adopted.  

Keep in mind that the god-daughter would then no longer be legally related to former family members and would not be able to receive inheritance unless specifically named.  She would also lose any health insurance coverage under her parent's policies.

Please note: if your state does not allow adult adoption, you can move to another state to complete the adoption and then go back (Nevada is probably good for this).

After reading some of the other comments, I wanted to add that by adopting your god-daughter, you DO have custody rights: if she becomes unable to care for herself, her children are your grandchildren.  It is a REAL adoption, not just a name change. At the same time, she can make decisions for you should you become infirm (just like a real child).

Answer 7

I have a son that had his step-father adopt him at the age of 33...for legal inheritance reasons....so YES you can adopt her....best wishes...oh yes and check your state laws ...they do vary from place to place

Answer 8

Depends on where you live.  In Alberta, they have something called Adult Adoption, and it is primarily meant for situations where the stepparent wants to adopt the 20 year old child of the spouse or something along those lines.

Answer 9

Anyone can be legally adopted in the United States at any age as long as they are consenting.  Many do this for recognition of the relationship, others for the legal security of being able to pass inheritance on.

Answer 10

Yes it is possible. . It is called adult adoption. I adopted my daughter almost two years ago. She was 21 years old at the time. It has been one of the best experiences of my life!!

Answer 11

nope, she's an adult now. But you can still love her and take care of her:)