Grandparents and stepparents often adopt their grown grandchildren and stepchildren, especially in situations where the adoption would allow additional benefits for the adoptee. Foster parents adopt their long-time foster children when they reach 18 years of age. There are other situations which are appropriate for adult adoption, including:
Inheritance: Adult adoption helps ensure that financial assets and property rights are transferred more easily to the adoptee. Because the adoption creates a legal parent-child relationship, the adopted person can inherit from the adoptive parents, in accordance with Florida Law.
Long-term care: A trusted caregiver may adopt an adult who is physically or mentally incapacitated. This allows the caregiver to make medical or financial decisions.
Formalize an existing relationship: Today, children who are being raised by extended family, friends, or foster care want the acknowledgement of the parent-child relationship. Adult adoption is an opportunity to legally formalize the bond that already exits between the adoptive parents and their adult child.
Reconnect with a birth parent: An adult can re-establish the legal parent-child relationship that previously existed between the parties.
Protect family assets: Childless parents can adopt an adult with whom a close relationship has been established to protect their legacy.
Adult adoption requirements
Florida’s adult adoption requirements are far less restrictive than those involving a minor child.
Only the consent of the adoptive parent(s) and the adoptee are required.
The adoptee’s parents are only required to receive notice of the final hearing. Consent is not required.
If the adoptee is married, his or her spouse should consent, but the court may not require it.
A home study is not required. However, the court may order an appropriate investigation to help determine if the adoption is in everyone’s best interests.
If you’re considering an adult adoption, we can help you evaluate the facts at no charge. Like any other adoption, it’s a very personal decision that requires careful consideration and should be in everyone’s best interest. Some issues to think about:
All existing legal relationships between an adult adoptee and the biological or custodial parents will be severed.
A new birth certificate will be issued, and the adult adoptee will have the option of a name change or retaining the same name.
The adoption records will remain confidential, and the file will be sealed when the adoption is completed.
With more than 30 years of adult adoption experience, our board-certified adoption specialists can walk you through the process of adopting an adult in Florida. If you decide to move forward, we can make it happen for you.
