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Adopting an adult in Texas is more common than many realize and offers powerful legal and emotional benefits. Unlike child adoption, adult adoption involves fewer restrictions and a streamlined process, making it an attractive option for many families. Whether securing inheritance rights, formalizing long-standing relationships, or strengthening existing parent-child bonds, adopting an adult creates lasting legal ties that recognize and protect these important connections.
Who Can Adopt an Adult in Texas?
Texas law allows any legal adult to adopt another adult. This includes relatives, stepparents, and long-time guardians who want to make their relationship legally binding. Both parties must agree, and no home studies or termination of parental rights are required.
Why People Choose Adult Adoption
People adopt adults for several reasons. Some want to establish inheritance rights, while others seek legal recognition of a parent-child bond.
Common Reasons for Adult Adoption
- Stepparents formalizing a bond – Many stepparents raise children as their own. Once the child reaches adulthood, adoption can make their relationship official.
- Long-term caregivers – Guardians who raised a child may want to solidify their legal ties.
- Reconnecting with biological parents – Some adoptees seek legal recognition of a relationship with a birth parent they found later in life.
- Ensuring inheritance rights – Texas law makes inheritance easier for legal children. Adult adoption can prevent legal issues after a parent’s passing.
- Providing emotional closure – Some individuals seek adoption as a way to make an unofficial relationship official.
Requirements for Adult Adoption
The process of adopting an adult in Texas is straightforward. However, certain conditions must be met:
- Both the adopter and the adoptee must give consent.
- The adoptee must not be under state custody or have legal guardianship restrictions.
- The adoption must be in the best interest of both parties.
Texas does not require background checks or home studies for adult adoption. The court only needs proof that both parties understand the legal impact of the adoption.
How to Adopt an Adult in Texas
The adoption process is simpler than child adoption. Here’s what needs to be done:
Filing a Petition
The adopter must file a petition in the county where they live. The document should include both parties’ full names, reasons for the adoption, and consent statements.
Attending a Court Hearing
After filing, the court schedules a hearing. Both the adopter and adoptee must attend. A judge will confirm consent and review the request.
Obtaining a Court Order
Once approved, the judge signs an adoption decree. This document legally establishes the parent-child relationship. The adoptee can then request a new birth certificate with the adopter’s name.
Legal Effects of Adult Adoption
Adult adoption grants the adoptee the same rights as a biological child. This includes inheritance rights, medical decision-making authority, and financial responsibilities.
Inheritance Rights
Texas law allows legally adopted adults to inherit from their adoptive parents, just like biological children. This can prevent disputes over estates and assets.
Name Changes
An adopted adult can take the adoptive parent’s last name, but it’s not required. If they choose to change their name, they must update legal documents like Social Security records and driver’s licenses.
Parental Rights of the Birth Parents
Unlike child adoption, adult adoption does not require termination of birth parents’ rights. The adoptee can still maintain legal ties with biological parents.
Can an Adult Adoption Be Reversed?
Texas courts rarely undo adult adoptions, but it’s possible if both parties agree. The process requires filing a petition for annulment and proving that the adoption was not completed under fraud or duress.
Situations That May Affect Approval
Most adult adoptions go through without issues, but courts may deny a petition in rare cases. Common reasons include:
- One party lacks legal capacity to consent
- The adoption involves fraud or coercion
- The adoption is sought for illegal purposes, such as immigration fraud
Costs of Adopting an Adult in Texas
Adult adoption costs vary by county. Expenses include court filing fees, attorney fees (if needed), and fees for updated birth certificates. While it is possible to complete the process without an attorney, some prefer legal assistance to ensure accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Adopting an adult in Texas offers families a meaningful way to create lasting legal and emotional bonds. With fewer legal hurdles than child adoption, the process provides a straightforward path to securing inheritance rights, formalizing parent-child relationships, and gaining important legal protections. For many, adopting an adult brings both legal security and emotional closure, strengthening family connections for the future.
Other Articles you may be interested in:
- Legal Requirements and Documentation for Adult Adoption in Texas
- Adult Adoption in Texas: Why, When, and How Does It Affect Inheritance?
- Adult Adoption in Texas: What It Is and How It Works
- 11 Things You Must Know About Texas Child Custody
- 15 Simple (But Important) Things To Remember About Texas Adoption Cases And Lawyers
- How can parental rights be terminated in Texas?
- Termination of Parental Rights and an MSA in Texas
- Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights in Texas
- Terminating Parental Rights in Texas on the Absent Parent
- Voluntarily Relinquishing Your Parental Rights in Texas
- What rights does a father have in Texas?
- Stepparents and Adoption in Texas: Expanding Your Family
- Texas Adoption FAQs
- What rights does a father have in Texas?
Frequently Asked Questions: Adult Adoption in Texas
Yes, in Texas, an adult adoption can occur at any age. If you are 18 years or older, your step dad can legally adopt you with your consent and the approval of the court. The age of the adoptee does not prevent the adoption from taking place.
In general, the consent of all legal parents or guardians is required for an adoption to take place. If your biological father still has parental rights, his consent would typically be necessary for your step dad to adopt you. However, there may be exceptions in certain circumstances. It is important to consult with an adoption attorney who can provide guidance based on the specifics of your case.
Similar to the cost of adopting someone over 18, the expenses associated with a step mom adopting you can vary. These may include filing fees, attorney fees, and other related costs. The total cost will depend on the specifics of your case and the services required. It is advisable to consult with an adoption attorney to obtain an accurate estimate of the expenses involved.
