Columbus, OHio ADOPTION ATTORNEY

Adult adoptions occur when a child emancipates and wishes to be adopted by a stepparent or relative! But there are many other reasons you may consider adopting an individual who is age 18 or older. One of the most common reasons is to legally and formally recognize a relationship that has already existed between the parent and the child. This opens up the adopted adult to benefits usually only reserved for family members, such as inheritances from the adopted parent. Another reason is to provide the adopted adult with health insurance and protection if they have a disability. Upon finalizing their adoption, the newly legal family member with a permanent or intellectual disability can receive the care they need under the family insurance.

Under Ohio law, adult adoption is permitted in cases when an adult has already established a relationship with their adoptive parents through foster care or as a stepchild of the adoptive parent when the adult was still a minor, as long as the adult child consents to being adopted.

Adopting an adult can also formalize an existing stepparent/stepchild relationship, bringing closure to a long process as well as bringing a family closer together.  

Under a 2011 law, an adult may be adopted by their parent’s spouse with the adoptee’s consent. Previously, the Ohio law did not allow for this unless the adoptee had already established a parent/child relationship while they were still a minor. This is beneficial when a parent remarries, and the new spouse has an adult child who wants to be legally and formally recognized as part of the new family.

ADULT ADOPTIONS