In the US, adult adoption is a real thing, and most importantly legal, too.
The reasons for adopting an adult are common and quite obvious, but did you know that there are various reasons why someone may not want to be adopted as an adult?
In this article, we’ll draw your attention to three reasons why many adults may not want to be adopted. Moreover, we’ll share the legal process of adult adoption and some factors that contribute to its cancellation.
So, read carefully the following segments of this article to be equipped with the basic knowledge on the adult adoption system.
3 Reasons for Not Wanting to be Adopted As an Adult
So, let’s first address the big question- can you be adopted as an adult? The answer is yes, but there has to valid reasons to justify it.
Like others, you may be skeptical about being adopted as an adult. It’s because people will tell you many things, mostly negatives, about this process and its consequences.
We’ll help you by pointing out those reasons while sharing the actual scenario:
- Adoptive Parents Control Adult Adoptees
There’s a common notion that adoptive parents are more into controlling their adopted adults. While this isn’t entirely true, teens and adults always fret at the idea of domestic restriction tightening around them by their new legal parents.
However, not all adoptive parents are like that. Since adoption is a legal process, both parties, the adoptive parents and you, will communicate with each other to share your expectations, norms, and relationship goals.
Thus you won’t be digging your own grave by blindly signing an adoption paper.
- Unlikely Step-Parent-Child Bonding
If you’re living with your step-parent, and your stepdad or mom wants to adopt you, you might be uncertain and afraid about future bonding.
However, one of the most beautiful things about being adopted as an adult by your step-parents is that both of you might be looking forward to bringing this parenting bond even closer.
The growing bond and love at both ends may lead to a legal parent-child relationship by adopting you as an adult while cutting off the term ‘step’ from your life.
- Always Telling You What to Do
Reaching a certain age like eighteen or twenty may make you adamant to an extent. But even if you’re decent and responsible about yourself, being always monitored and commanded by your parents may not be mostly to your liking.
Having that type of idea isn’t unnatural but if you look at the other side, you might change your view.
The fact is, many adoptive parents seek to adopt adults who can live up to their expectations in terms of self-care, daily routine, dressing, hygiene, manners, etc. For them, finding such a kid is a blessing.
So, your fear of being always told what to do isn’t a hellbent rule in the adoption world. You just need to find the right adoptive mom or dad, or both.
Process of Adopting an Adult
Any type of adoption procedure is regulated by state laws. It indicates variable law requirements depending on the different states.
If you’re intending to adopt an adult, you’ll have to go with the laws of the state you’re living in. Following these regulations help in a comprehensive background check and decision-making.
Hence, below we’re going to share with you a streamlined process of adopting an adult:
- First, you must collect the legal documents and forms from the local court.
- The adoptive parent has to fill out the legal forms with the required information. You may consult a lawyer to provide the information in the best way possible to avoid any complexity.
- If the adult person you’re adopting is mentally unstable or with special needs, you’ll be required to provide additional information by filling out a few more forms.
- The same will apply if you’re adopting an adult with a physical disability.
- Have your witnesses sign the adoption forms.
- Get your papers notarized and embossed by your lawyer or bank.
- Your lawyer will file a petition for adult adoption with the local Superior Court.
- You’ll have to wait until there’s a date for you with Family Court about the adoption.
- At last, you’ll have to confront a family judge in court to receive a verdict on whether you’re eligible as an adoptive parent or not.
Remember, just filling out some forms and papers aren’t enough to qualify you as an adoptive parent. The most significant matter in this case on which the judge will focus is the adoptee’s preferences.
The adoptee’s current condition, needs, and preferences will regulate the court’s decision on whether you’ve properly met the legal requirements of the adoption process or not.
Factors That May Legally Cancel an Adult Adoption
Whether you’re an adoptive parent or an adult adoptee, there are a few barriers in the process at which you must take concern. These barriers may cancel the whole process of adoption.
Let’s find out what are those shortcomings and flaws that may legally cancel the adult adoption:
- Incest: State laws are strict about any incest or sexual relationship between the adoptive parent and the adoptee adult. If there’s such a case, it’s highly likely that the adoption petition will be turned down by the court.
- Age Gap: Generally, most states will see to it that the age difference between the adoptive parent and the adoptee adult is at least ten years. If this is not the case, the adoption appeal will be canceled unless there’s any exception.
- Maximum Age: You have to check whether your state has any age restriction on the adult adoptee. States like Arizona, Ohio, Alabama, etc., limit the adoption age to nineteen to twenty-one.
- Relationship Statutes: Many states discount the legitimacy of an adult adoption process that aims at same-sex relationships. However, some other state laws attest to the purpose of creating inheritance rights by adult adoption.
Conclusion
Being adopted as an adult might not be a preference for you at this moment due to the reasons we’ve just shared above.
Whatever the reason is, you must think it through to look at the brighter side. And as you’ve learned about the legal adoption process in this article, you must be assured that no one can force you into being adopted or doing unwanted things post-adoption period.
Besides, seek professional expertise from experienced lawyers if you’re still in doubt. Make the right choice for yourself by consulting a good lawyer on the legal procedures, requirements, and possible consequences.