Adopting an Adult
When people think about adoption, their mental picture is usually a couple welcoming a new infant or toddler into the family. The truth is that adoption occurs in many different ways. Some people are even adopted when they are over the age of 18, a process known as adult adoption. It may seem like a surprising choice to those who are not familiar with it, but there are many reasons people do it.
If you are interested in an adult adoption, either as an adoptive parent or an adoptee, the Raleigh adoption attorneys of Marshall & Taylor, P.C. can help. We will help you complete each step of the process as efficiently as possible. Call us at 919-833-1040.
Why Adopt an Adult?
Families choose to adopt adult friends or family members for many reasons, some complex and some actually quite simple. A few reasons that are commonly given by people who make this choice include:
- Making a personal relationship “official.” Many people have foster parents, step-parents, or close family friends they consider their “real” parents. A formal adoption can be a way to make this relationship legally recognized. Not only does this help some families feel closer, it can also simplify issues related to power of attorney, inheritance, and so on.
- Sealing of records. Under the law, an adoptee’s biological records can be sealed whether that person is an adult or child. When an adult feels closer to foster parents than his or her biological family, it may feel good to have the records of his or her birth parents sealed.
- Continuation of care. Some children do not find a foster family until they are already close to the age of majority (18 years). Among these children, some will need continued care even as adults due to medical or emotional conditions. A formal adoption can make it easier for these foster parents to protect their parental rights.
Adopting an adult is a fairly simple legal process that usually only requires the adoptee’s and adopters’ permission. If you think this arrangement may be beneficial for your family, our Raleigh adult adoption law firm can help you explore it.
Contact Us
The Raleigh adoption lawyers at Marshall & Taylor, P.C. take pride in our informative and efficient legal services. Contact us today at 919-833-1040 for any of your adoption-related needs.