Posted on May 9, 2023
The word “adoption” associates with infant adoption or adoption through foster care, so adult adoption is something rarely heard of. Adoption is not just for babies and little kids. Adult adoption is becoming more common as adoption itself is growing.
The fact is that everyone, no matter their age, needs a family. Though children may age out of adoption system when they’re eighteen, they all do not stop to be in need of love, support, a place to call home, and people they can trust to help navigate life and share these lived experiences with.
I had the amazing opportunity to learn during my work about how important it was for the young orphaned adults to have a family. In some cases they were already a part of a family–they just wanted to make it official.
Some people do not even know that it is legally possible to adopt an adult, but guess what? It is possible and it’s something that is easier to do than you may think.
Though many may not consider it a traditional way to build a family, times are changing and in my opinion, family is family. We should celebrate it as often as possible and adults deserve that beautiful moment in the courthouse when it’s announced that you’re a family.
How to Adopt an Adult
Though a homestudy isn’t required for this, someone may visit your home to determine safety, particularly if the adult being adopted may lack awareness of the situation due to illness or if there are medical issues that are being examined.
Among the required documents are the consent of the adult being adopted and the individuals adopting him or her, description of home, medical certificates for an adoptee and an adoptive parent and an income letter of the adoptive parent. The main are the consent letters, the rest are additional.
Your first step would be to contact an adoption lawyer or a social worker, or an adoption agency (if the country of your residence is a Hague member) to get the help and support that you need.
Why You May Consider Adult Adoption
The first reason to consider adult adoption is if you have a relationship with an adult who you know could use a family and your support. Everyone needs a family, no matter their age. Grab you free consultation here to get started.