Are there any age restrictions on adoption? Can I as a 32 year old, adopt a 25 year old “son”? Or would that be refused on other grounds?
Many thanks
Grim
Depends on local law. What state, province, or country are you asking about?
I happen to be in the UK, but precedent from where you’re at would be appreciated…
Grim
In the state of Utah, the adopter must be at least 10 years older than the adoptee.
In California, the most populous state in the U.S., any adult can adopt, as long as he or she is at least 10 years older than the adoptee. Any child or adult can be adopted.
In New York, the adoptee can be any age.
In Texas, any person can be adopted.
In Florida, any adult can adopt, and any person can be an adoptee. No age restrictions.
In Ohio, an adult can be adopted only if if she or he is totally and permanently disabled, is determined to be mentally retarded, or has established a child-foster parent or child-stepparent relationship with the adoptive parent.
For more information about state adoption laws in the United States, see Adoption Solutions.
Interesting site Walloon - thank you.
Anyone have an idea what other countries regulations are?
Grim
So, if my mom and I were both Floridans, I could (technically) adopt her? That’s weird. Has anything like that ever occured?
There was a story on the radio last night that a girl living in a foster home was dating John Doe. John Doe went to the courthouse and got custody of the girl (I think she was 17)he then married her.
I think it’s common, or was common for same-sex couples to adopt each other to secure family rights, inheritance, etc.
I also heard a case not too long ago where the older adopter died & his family sued, won & got all the money. Something about the adoption not being legitimate because it was a sexual thing? Or something. Sounded crappy to me. Anyone know the story?
levdrakon
You may be thinking of Matter of Robert Paul P., 63
N.Y.2d 233 (1984). But it wasn’t a death, it was a petition for adoption being denied because “Adoption is not a means of obtaining a legal status for a nonmarital sexual relationship - whether homosexual or heterosexual.”
1984? No, I think this was in the last year or two or three, and the older adopter did pass away. He purposely adopted his younger lover so he could leave him an inheritance. The family fought it. They made it seem like the younger guy was a gold-digger who manipulated the older guy to get his money. Was it in Florida maybe?