When you hear the word "adoption," the first image in your head is likely one that involves a small child being introduced into a new home. Perhaps you imagine an aunt or a relative adopting a family member whose parent's need time to organize their lives. But what we're talking about today are the adoptions of adults. Yes, we are talking about grown-ups and not even necessarily adults with special needs. Full-grown, fully capable members of the community that may even have children of their own already.
In today's world, it's a harsh reality that our society has a high divorce rate; 40-50% depending on the study. After that divorce, about 75% of those couples remarry, not to each other; and most of those second marriages create a step-parent scenario for either mom, dad, or both.
I'm not going to bore you with any more statistics or science (aka black magic) but ultimately, many children find themselves living more years with their step-parent than they did with their biological parent. The same is also true with foster-parents.
After living most of their formative years with the step-parent, more and more children are finding that they have formed a stronger parent-child relationship with their step-parent than with their biological parent. To further unite and strengthen the familial ties in infant situations, the families seek an adoption. Many people do not realize that when a child turns 18 years old and is no longer a "child," adoption is still possible.
Just as with infants, step-parents seek adoption of their adult step-children to unite and strengthen their familial ties. The adult children desire to legally cement the relationship with the step-parent that stepped in when their biological parent abandoned them instead of forever living under the shadow of an absent parent. You're probably wondering what kind of paperwork nightmare pursuing such a solution might create.
In fact, the legalities behind processing the adoption of an adult are less complicated than the adoption of a minor child. Our Courts focus on the "best interest of the child" and strive to protect those minor children that can't protect themselves. However, with an adult there is little need for that protection since an adult can make his/her own decisions. In this day and age, with all the choices we can make, why shouldn't you be able to decide whether the person that has always been there for you must preface their title with "step?"
Statistically speaking (okay, sorry I lied about not bringing it up again), it is most likely that you have a step-parent, you are a step-parent, or both. For some, the above discussion about a bond with a step-parent being stronger than with the biological parent is simply unimaginable, but for many of you, I've just described your parental relationship to a tee.
If you want more information about an Adult-Adoption, whether you're the "child," the step-parent, or the foster-parent, contact your attorney to find out what steps you need to take to get started. No attorney can tell you if this is the right decision for you and your family, but your attorney should ensure that you are able to make an informed decision once you know your options.
***Special Thanks to those that participated in the poll for this Reader-Selected Entry on Facebook and Twitter, especially Kama Lawrence, J.D., for being the first voter***
--Authored by Matthew L. Harris, Esq.,
Matthew Harris Law - Family Law Division
1001 Main Street, Suite 806, Lubbock, Texas, 79401-3322,
(806) 318-8482
I had no idea adults could be adopted! Very interesting blog. I, for one, cannot wait for the next blog and topic!
ReplyDelete@Anonymous - It's hard to describe how much joy and solidarity it brings to a family. I'm humbled just to be part of that experience and to help bring families closer together.
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