Adult Adoption

[JPasteur]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arizona

My stepdaughter is 32 years old and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. After years of having no contact with her natural father, I felt it necessary to pursue adoption proceedings for inheritance/legal reasons. I am still married to her natural mother who is aware of this process. My stepdaughter, who is single, wants to do this with the provision that she keeps her current last name of her father. I agree on this point as it would be easier for her and would not necessitate other legal changes of ID's.
My question pertains to residency. Do we have to show dependency or residency in the same house (or state) for this to be done? I began filling out the forms and there were multiple questions regarding her living at the same address, receiving support, etc. She has lived on her own for 11 years and doesn't receive support from us financially. Is that a prerequisite? Does she have to have other dependency factors for this to happen?
Thank you.

Jeff Pasteur

 

[mistoffolees]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arizona

My stepdaughter is 32 years old and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. After years of having no contact with her natural father, I felt it necessary to pursue adoption proceedings for inheritance/legal reasons. I am still married to her natural mother who is aware of this process. My stepdaughter, who is single, wants to do this with the provision that she keeps her current last name of her father. I agree on this point as it would be easier for her and would not necessitate other legal changes of ID's.
My question pertains to residency. Do we have to show dependency or residency in the same house (or state) for this to be done? I began filling out the forms and there were multiple questions regarding her living at the same address, receiving support, etc. She has lived on her own for 11 years and doesn't receive support from us financially. Is that a prerequisite? Does she have to have other dependency factors for this to happen?
Thank you.

Jeff Pasteur

I would have an attorney handle it. Adoption (even of adults) needs to be done properly and it only takes a minor mistake to make the whole thing a mess.

She doesn't have to be dependent on you in any way. If he and I both agreed to it, I could adopt Bill Gates.

However, think real hard about it. What legal reasons are you referring to? if you're simply talking about inheritance, you can deal with that far more simply and less expensively by simply having a will. If you wish, you can also allow for medical decision making and so on.