IN WHAT COUNTY DO WE FILE OUR ADULT PETITION FOR ADOPTION?

Adult adoptions are handled in the Superior Court of each county. To file a petition for adoption, either the adopting parent or the adoptee must be a California resident. The petition is usually filed in the county of residence.

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL EFFECTS OF ADULT ADOPTION?

By completing an adult adoption, the adopting parent or parents and the adoptee agree to assume the legal benefits and responsibilities of the parent and child relationship, as though the child had been born to the parent. While these responsibilities are typically less extensive than those associated with raising a minor child, adult adoption does establish inheritance rights if one party dies without a will and California’s laws of intestate succession apply.

IS A HOME STUDY REQUIRED WHEN YOU ADOPT AN ADULT?

No. Because adult adoption does not involve minor children, there is no legal requirement for a home study or investigation. Eliminating this requirement saves both time and expense.

IN AN ADULT ADOPTION, CAN THE PERSON BEING ADOPTED CHANGE THEIR NAME AND GET A NEW BIRTH CERTIFICATE?

Yes and yes. An adult adoptee may change their name and may also obtain an amended birth certificate.

WHAT ARE TYPICAL ADULT ADOPTION LEGAL FEES AND COSTS?

Legal fees can vary widely, from perhaps in the low $2,000 range, but may extend up to $5,000. It all depends on who you hire. It should be easy to find their fees. Look for an attorney with transparent and easy to see legal fees, hopefully revealed right on their website.