Faqs About Adult Adoption
Schedule a Consultation TodayBelow are some frequently asked questions about Adult Adoption:
What is an adult adoption, and is it legal in North Carolina?
Adult adoptions are adoptions where the adoptee is over the age of 18. North Carolina law allows for adult adoptions, but spouses may not adopt one another.
Notably, the law does require notifying some of the adoptee’s family members that the adoption is taking place. However, the law does not require their consent. Adult adoptions have the same legal effect as any other adoption—they terminate the rights of the adoptee’s prior legal parents.
How do adult adoptions work in North Carolina?
Adult adoptions in North Carolina have fewer requirements than child adoptions. In an adult adoption, there is no requirement for a home study or post-placement visits to protect minor children.
Although the law requires you to provide notice of the petition to adopt to specific individuals, only three individuals need to consent to an adult adoption in North Carolina: the adoptee, the adoptive parent, and the adoptive parent’s spouse (if the adoptive parent is married).
After filing the adoption petition in court, you must complete consent paperwork from you, your adoptive child, and your spouse, if you have one. The last step is to finalize the adoption at a court hearing.
Adult adoption lawyer Bobby Mills has over 35 years of experience as an adoptions lawyer in North Carolina. Put his expertise to work for your family and schedule your free 15-minute consultation.
Are there any advantages of legally adopting an adult in North Carolina?
Yes. Formalizing an existing parental relationship with an adult has many benefits in North Carolina, including:
- Inheritance rights
- Access to medical records and decision making
- Social security benefits and insurance
- Ability to legally change the adoptee’s name
Moreover, it is often vital in society to memorialize life events, and expanding a family qualifies. The adult adoption process is relatively straightforward compared to minor adoptions, and the process is even easier with an experienced adoption lawyer on your side.
How do I choose an adult adoption attorney in North Carolina?
When choosing an adult adoption attorney in North Carolina, the first thing you should look for is experience. Mills Adoption Law has over 35 years of experience in family law. This experience allows Bobby Mills to anticipate issues before they arise and solve them. Experience. For what matters most: family.
Call us today at (919) 306-2899 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our adult adoption law firm.
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Professional Associations
Why Should You Choose An Adoption Attorney?
An adoption attorney will:
Provide
We will provide an unbiased explanation of adoption procedures and develop a legally secure plan tailored to your needs.
Assess
We will assess the risks involved, including determining what payments are permissible and ensuring that birth parents are treated fairly and their rights are legally terminated before placement is finalized.
Clarify
We will clarify your options, if any, for post-placement arrangements with birth parents, making sure your interests and those of the child are served.
Explain
We will explain your rights and adoption laws in your state or refer you to attorneys who practice in other states or internationally.
Review
We will review and negotiate the adoption agency contract to protect your interests.
You Should...
Contact
You should contact an attorney as early as possible in the decision-making process.
Learn
Learn about the specific types of adoption services the attorney provides. Ask what percentage of the practice is dedicated to adoption and how many adoption proceedings the attorney has handled.
Choose
Choose an attorney who is experienced in the type of adoption you are considering.
Know
Know what the attorney charges, how fees are structured and that you can afford the services.
Ask
Ask questions, request references, share your concerns and provide the attorney with all relevant documents. Ask for a written retainer agreement that outlines what the attorney charges, how fees are structured and other details regarding fees and fee payment.