U.K Adult adoption..?

Felicita1

There is nothing in U.K. child adoption law allowing one to adopt an adult, unlike in the U.S., Canada, Australia and numerous other locations. However, there is plenty of legal case law regarding adult adoption, preceding these laws, as it has been part of the English legal system since Roman law as a way for an adult to secure a legal heir. Contact a lawyer to help you.

It is far more than "signing some things on the internet. " Judges will normally look at whether there is a existing family relationship between you and the person you are adopting, you have to petition to get your case heard in court, the consent in writing of the adult to be adopted must be given, and you WILL have to jump through hoops to get it done.

ETA -- Craig, best to see a lawyer. Ensure that they're skilled with wills and estates and are familiar with case law dealing with adult adoption. it exists in the books. and it is not covered by the "Adoption and Children Act 2002". you have to look beyond that, to case law that precedes it.

but what you want is:
- to be legally related to the person you are adopting (filiation)
- for them to be your legal heir
- for a parent-child relationship to already precede the legal one.

in other words, do NOT do it to adopt a stranger, a friend, etc.

craig.owens82@btinternet.com

i notice from this discussion. felicity says its not impossible. can you please provide more details on how i can start the process etc

thanks

pink! pink! pink! :x) (stacey g)

try this:
http:www.direct.gov.uk
and go on the adoption bit

Mr Cockburn

I adopted a young lady from Russia called Helena she is 25, I had no problems what so ever. I checked her family out and they were fine .

Bee ~Brit Mum~

Doubt you'll get too many people from the UK on here at this time, unless everyone is an insomniac like me lol!

I don't quite understand your question though... do you mean to adopt someone who is aged over 18? In which case, as far as I'm aware in the UK you cannot adopt an adult, I think the closest you can get is you're able to apply for legal guardianship if the adult is for example mentally handicapped or in some other state in which they are not able to be responsible for themselves. Perhaps I am wrong though, in which case I don't know what is involved, I've had a look at adoption.org.uk but can't see any related info.

If you mean when YOU are over the age of 18, you actually need to be 21 in Britain although most agencies say over 25, and yes there are strict family checks etc, which an agency will carry out.

Bo P

you can not adopt someone over the age 18 as they are legally adults.

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