Contrary to popular belief, adoption doesn't just apply to young children. In many countries, you can adopt an adult to form a parent-child relationship. Adult adoption can establish inheritance rights or legal commitments, formalize biological or adoptive parental relationships as well as permanent symbolic relationships with someone.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Eligible for Adoption
Step 1. Establish a close relationship with the adult you wish to adopt
This type of adoption is more likely to be granted if the relationship between the two people has been going on for several years. For example, a 10-year mentor/student relationship may be a good candidate for adult adoption if both parties meet the requirements.
Step 2. Make sure the person who wants to adopt is older than the person they want to adopt
Since adoption forms a parent-child relationship, the odds are greater if the age difference between the two is more or less the same as that of parent and child.
Step 3. Don't try to adopt if both parties have been in a sexual relationship
While adult adoption is one way of ensuring an inheritance is passed on to the adopted person, it cannot be formed between couples in a romantic relationship.
Step 4. Prove that the adult you wish to adopt is physically or mentally disabled
In some countries, this is the only legal type of adult adoption. In such cases, adoption aims to provide care to the individual.
Step 5. Look for clear provisions that residence in the same country is required for legal adult adoption
In many places, both parties must be citizens of the same country to apply for adoption.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing Adoption Documents
Step 1. Seek help from a lawyer if you are not comfortable completing the adoption process on your own
However, the assistance of a lawyer is not required or even necessary, as adult adoption is not like child adoption, in which case both parties can sign for themselves.
Step 2. Contact your city's district court office
Ask for information on the documents you will need to complete the adult adoption process. Also, ask if you have to complete all the documents in a certain application letter format.
You can obtain the letter format from your local district court office or website
Step 3. Fill out the "Adoption Application"
This application must be written by the person who wants to adopt. Hire a public notary to certify documents before they are filed.
Step 4. Get permission from husband/wife
In most countries, you must have legal permission from your spouse before adopting a child or adult. You must also provide a copy of the marriage certificate.
Step 5. Get the signed consent of the person to be adopted
Notarize this document with a public notary.
Step 6. Write a statement regarding your desire to adopt an adult
Write a formal letter stating all the reasons you want to adopt an adult.
Part 3 of 3: Completing the Adoption Process
Step 1. Print all documents on the designated paper, if this is required by your country
This paper is usually available at office supply stores. Validate the document at a public notary.
Step 2. Go to the district court office
Pay a filing fee to apply for adopting an adult.
Step 3. Wait to hear from the court regarding your adoption application
It may take several months for you to hear when your examination date is scheduled.
Step 4. Attend adoption checks
Ask everyone, including the person you will adopt and your spouse to be with you. You will meet a judge to determine the legality of the adoption.
The legal parents of your adopted person must be informed and may need to attend a check-up as well. However, they usually don't have the right to object if the person you're adopting is an adult
Step 5. Listen to the judge's ruling regarding your proposed adoption
Adult adoptions are sometimes rejected if both parties cannot demonstrate that they are good candidates for a parent-child relationship. You can try to appeal if the adoption application is not granted.
Step 6. Ensure that changes to the birth certificate of the person you adopt are issued to them after the adoption is approved
Adopted adults have the option of changing their surname so that it matches the name of their legal adoptive parents.
