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Adult Adoption Attorneys and Legal Services

Adult adoption is a legal process that formalizes the relationships that already exist in your heart. Whether you’re a stepparent adopting a stepchild over 18 or an adult honoring a parental figure who has always been there for you, this process creates a permanent legal bond that reflects your family’s reality.

At Foster + Bloom, we know your adoption journey deserves trusted guidance. Our experienced adult adoption attorneys help you navigate state-specific requirements and confirm the legal framework supports the family you’ve built. We’re here as your partners, turning complex legal steps into a clear and supportive process.

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Adult Adoption Legal Services

When you use an attorney for adult adoption, you can trust that your family’s legal foundation is solid. Our comprehensive approach covers every aspect of the adult adoption process.

  • Legal Consultation and Planning: We evaluate your unique situation and explain how adult adoption works in your state. You’ll understand the process requirements, timeline expectations and whether adult adoption aligns with your family’s goals.
  • Documentation Preparation and Filing: Our team prepares and files your adoption petition with the appropriate court. Every form will meet your state’s standards and be submitted correctly and on time.
  • Court Representation: We advocate for your family at all court hearings and proceedings. Our attorneys present your case to the judge, address any questions that arise and guide you through each court appearance.
  • Adoption Finalization: We coordinate the final adoption hearing and help you obtain certified copies of your adoption decree. This milestone marks the legal completion of your family’s journey.
  • Name Change Processing: If you choose to change names as part of the adoption, we handle the legal procedures and coordinate with relevant agencies to update your official records.

Our Adult Adoption Attorneys

Profile Photo of Kelly Dempsey

Kelly Dempsey,
Managing Member/Founder

NC
Profile Photo of Janna Annest

Janna Annest,
Founding Member

WA
Profile Photo of Mary Beck

Mary Beck,
Founding Member

MO
Profile Photo of Joanna Beck Wilkinson

Joanna Beck Wilkinson,
Founding Member

AR, IL, KS, MO
Profile Photo of Michelle Evans

Michelle Evans,
Founding Member

CA
Profile Photo of Barbara Ginn

Barbara Ginn,
Founding Member

FL, OH
Profile Photo of Nicole Skellenger

Nicole Skellenger,
Founding Member

FL, IN
Profile Photo of Catelyn Slattery

Catelyn Slattery,
Founding Member

DC, MD, VA
Profile Photo of LeAnn Hoffman

LeAnn Hoffman,
Associate Attorney

DC, MD

Adult Adoption Attorneys Near You

Finding the right adult adoption lawyer ensures you have access to personalized legal guidance throughout your journey. Our experienced team serves families across multiple states:

  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Maryland
  • Missouri
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington D.C.
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Why Would You Need to Adopt an Adult?

Adult adoption creates legal family relationships that provide important rights and protections. Understanding these common scenarios can help you determine if adult adoption is right for your situation:

  • Inheritance and Estate Planning: Adult adoption secures inheritance rights and helps avoid probate complications for stepchildren or non-biological family members.
  • Formalizing Existing Relationships: Stepparents, former foster parents or grandparents who have lovingly raised a child may want to formalize their deep family bond through legal adoption.
  • Healthcare and Benefits: Adult adoption grants medical decision-making authority and can provide access to insurance coverage, Social Security benefits and veteran’s benefits.
  • Immigration Purposes: Some families create legal parent-child relationships to assist with sponsorship applications, citizenship pathways or family reunification processes.
  • Personal Reasons: Adult adoption allows name changes, helps heal family relationships and honors cultural traditions that value formal family recognition.

If you recognize your situation in any of these scenarios, adult adoption may provide the legal framework you need to protect your family relationships and secure important rights and benefits.

What Our Clients Say

We’re honored to support families through the adult adoption process. We want our clients to be reassured having a trusted adult adoption lawyer by their side.

“Adult adoption process was smooth and simple! Catelyn helped us navigate all the paperwork and processes associated with an adult adoption. We are very happy to have employed her for her expertise and service. What would have been a confusing and laborious process felt so smooth and easy!” –Jeffrey

What Makes Foster + Bloom’s Adult Adoption Legal Services Different?

Adopting an adult is a powerful way to honor the relationships that matter most. At Foster + Bloom, we guide you through each step of the process with the experience and care you deserve.

Here’s what sets our approach apart:

  • Specialized Family-Building Experience: Our team focuses on family formation law. This specialized knowledge ensures your adult adoption proceeds smoothly.
  • Nationwide Reach With Local Insight: Licensed across multiple states, we understand the specific requirements and procedures in your jurisdiction. This combination of broad experience and local knowledge ensures your adoption complies with all applicable laws.
  • Practical Legal Protections: Adult adoption can provide benefits like inheritance rights, decision-making authority and legal recognition. We help you secure these protections so your family’s reality is honored in the eyes of the law.

At Foster + Bloom, we understand that adult adoption is about celebrating the bonds that make your family complete. We’re here to help you take this meaningful step. Let us guide you through the process so you can focus on building the legal foundation that reflects your family’s love.

FAQ's

Adult adoption can serve many purposes. Stepparents often use adult adoption to formalize bonds with the children they’ve raised. Others choose it to legally recognize a parent-like relationship with a chosen family member. Adult adoption can also provide practical benefits such as inheritance rights and insurance coverage.
Adopted adults gain inheritance rights, medical decision-making authority and access to family insurance policies. The adoption also provides emotional validation of existing relationships and can simplify estate planning.
The process to legally adopt an adult generally involves filing a petition with the court and attending a finalization hearing. The adoptee must consent to the adoption, and some states require notification to biological parents. After reviewing the petition and ensuring all requirements are met, the court issues a final adoption decree that legally establishes the parent-child relationship.
The timeline for adult adoption varies by state and case complexity, but most adoptions are completed within two to six months. Simple cases with all parties in agreement and proper documentation can sometimes be finalized in as little as six to eight weeks. However, cases involving name changes, out-of-state parties or complex family situations may take longer.
Adult adoption laws exist in most states, but some states like Michigan and Nebraska prohibit adult adoption entirely. Each state has its own requirements around things like age, residency and consent. Having an attorney who understands your state’s process is key to making sure your adult adoption goes smoothly.
While some states allow self-representation, most families find they need an attorney for adult adoption. An attorney can prepare the necessary documents, make sure all legal steps are followed and represent you in court. This guidance is especially important if your case involves a name change, complex family circumstances or other potential challenges.
Yes, most states allow name changes as part of the adult adoption process. The adoption petition typically includes a request for name change, and the court can grant both the adoption and name change simultaneously. This approach is often more convenient and cost-effective than pursuing separate legal proceedings.
Adult adoption has very limited immigration benefits under U.S. law. Since most family-based immigration benefits for adopted children require the adoption to occur before age 16, adult adoptions typically don't qualify. However, adult adoption might help in other immigration contexts. It's important to consult with an attorney to understand if adult adoption could benefit your specific situation.