Adopting an adult is not as common as adopting a child, but it is still a viable option for many families. Adult adoption is typically done in situations where the individual to be adopted has already established a relationship with the adopting family. If you are considering adopting an adult, you may be wondering how much it costs. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the cost of adopting an adult.
What is Adult Adoption?
Adult adoption is the legal process of creating a parent-child relationship between two adults who are not biologically related. Unlike traditional adoption, the individual being adopted is over the age of 18 and typically has an established relationship with the adopting family. Adult adoption is often used to formalize a step-parent/step-child relationship or to provide an inheritance to a non-biological child. It is important to note that adult adoption does not sever the individual’s existing legal relationship with their biological family.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Adult Adoption
There are several factors that can affect the cost of adult adoption. These include:
Attorney Fees
The attorney’s fees are one of the primary expenses in the adoption process. Attorney fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the location of the adoption. The cost of attorney fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to hire an experienced attorney to handle the legalities of the adoption process.
Court Fees
In addition to attorney fees, court fees are another expense that must be taken into consideration. Court fees can also vary depending on the location of the adoption. Some courts may charge a flat fee, while others charge based on the time spent on the case. The court fees can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.
Fingerprinting and Background Checks
In most cases, both the adopting family and the individual being adopted will need to undergo fingerprinting and background checks. The cost of these checks can vary depending on the location and the type of checks required. The cost of fingerprinting and background checks can range from a few hundred dollars to a thousand dollars.
Travel Expenses
If the adopting family and the individual being adopted live in different states, travel expenses can add to the overall cost of the adoption. These expenses can include airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals. Travel expenses can vary widely depending on the distance and the mode of transportation.
Other Costs
Other costs associated with adult adoption may include document preparation, home study fees, and adoption agency fees (if an agency is used). The cost of document preparation can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. The home study fees are charged by the social worker who visits the home of the adopting family to ensure that they meet the legal requirements for adoption. Adoption agency fees may also vary depending on the agency used and can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Average Cost of Adult Adoption
The cost of adult adoption can vary widely depending on the factors listed above. However, on average, the cost of adult adoption can range from $1,000 to $3,000. This cost typically includes attorney fees, court fees, fingerprinting and background checks, and document preparation. The cost of adult adoption can increase if there are any unforeseen legal issues that arise during the adoption process. In these cases, additional attorney fees and court fees may be required.
“The cost of adult adoption can vary widely…”
Ways to Reduce the Cost of Adult Adoption
There are a few ways to reduce the cost of adult adoption:
Do It Yourself
While it is always recommended to have an attorney assist with the adoption process, it is possible to do some of the work yourself. For example, you may be able to prepare some of the adoption documents yourself, which can save on attorney fees. However, it is important to ensure that the documents are legally valid and meet the legal requirements for adoption.
Use a Non-Profit Agency
Using a non-profit agency can also help reduce the cost of adult adoption. Non-profit agencies typically charge lower fees than for-profit agencies. Additionally, non-profit agencies may offer financial assistance or have sliding-scale fees based on the income of the adopting family.
Check for Financial Assistance
There may be financial assistance available for adult adoption. Check with your state or local government to see if there are any programs available. Additionally, some employers offer adoption assistance programs as part of their employee benefits package.
Legal Process of Adult Adoption
The legal process of adult adoption varies by state, but typically involves the following steps:
Consent of the Individual Being Adopted
The individual being adopted must provide their consent to the adoption. In some states, the consent of the individual’s biological parents may also be required.
Filing of the Adoption Petition
The adopting family must file an adoption petition with the court. The petition includes information about the adopting family, the individual being adopted, and the reason for the adoption.
Home Study
A social worker or other qualified professional will visit the home of the adopting family to ensure that they meet the legal requirements for adoption. The home study process includes a criminal background check, home safety inspection, and evaluation of the adopting family’s ability to provide for the individual being adopted.
Court Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing to finalize the adoption. At the hearing, the judge will review the adoption petition and may ask questions of the adopting family and the individual being adopted. If the judge approves the adoption, a final adoption decree will be issued.
Can You Adopt an Adult or Someone Over 18?
Yes, it is possible to adopt an adult or someone over 18. Adult adoption is a legal process that allows an adult to create a parent-child relationship with another adult who is not biologically related. In most cases, adult adoption is done for emotional and personal reasons, rather than for legal or financial reasons.
One common reason for adult adoption is to formalize a step-parent/step-child relationship. In these cases, the adopting parent may have been in the child’s life for many years and wants to establish a legal relationship. Another reason for adult adoption is to provide an inheritance to a non-biological child. Adult adoption can also be used to create a legal bond between close friends or other family members. Whatever the reason for the adoption, it is important to understand the legal process and the associated costs before beginning the process.
Final Thoughts
Adult adoption can be a great way to formalize a family relationship and provide legal recognition to a non-biological child. The cost of adult adoption can vary widely, but there are ways to reduce the cost, such as using a non-profit agency or exploring financial assistance programs. If you are considering adult adoption, be sure to understand the legal process and seek the assistance of an experienced attorney. Be sure to check back soon for new blogs on legal and adoption-related topics.