Question 1

Why do people do adult adoptions?

Accepted Answer

Adult adoptions create the legal parent-child relationship and are often done for emotional reasons or legal considerations.

Question 2

Is a home study required?

Accepted Answer

No, a home study is not required for adult adoptions, unlike with minors.

Question 3

Is parental consent required?

Accepted Answer

Parental consent is not required for adult adoptions, except spousal consent if the adoptee or adopting parent is married.

Question 4

Can we file in Los Angeles County?

Accepted Answer

Documents can be filed in the county where either the adoptee or adopting parent resides, including Los Angeles County.

Question 5

What is the start-to-finish time?

Accepted Answer

Most adult adoptions handled by an experienced attorney are completed in 3–6 weeks after filing in Los Angeles County.

Question 6

What is the final hearing like?

Accepted Answer

The final hearing is a single court session, typically about 15 minutes, where the judge grants the adoption after reviewing the documents.

Question 7

Is the final hearing in person or by video?

Accepted Answer

Parties can appear either in person or by video, with guests also able to attend by video.

Question 8

Does adult adoption include a name change or new birth certificate?

Accepted Answer

Adult adoption allows the adoptee to change their name and/or receive an amended birth certificate if desired.

Question 9

What about the new birth certificate?

Accepted Answer

The new birth certificate lists the adoptive parents; the adoptee may also retain the existing birth certificate if desired.

Question 10

Will adult adoption terminate the rights of my existing parent(s)?

Accepted Answer

Adult adoption does not automatically terminate existing parental rights; the adoptee can choose which legal relationships to end or preserve.

Question 11

Will adult adoption create US citizenship for foreign citizens?

Accepted Answer

Adult adoption does not confer citizenship or immigration benefits.

ACAL 2022 Adoption ART Seminar

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