As many have said, just specify that the step child, and all your other children are the heirs of your estate. Alternatively, you can make her a specific bequest of property. Both are entirely legal and you don't need to worry about adopting anyone.
As many have said, just specify that the step child, and all your other children are the heirs of your estate. Alternatively, you can make her a specific bequest of property. Both are entirely legal and you don't need to worry about adopting anyone.
But that's the warm, fuzzy feeling bit. It isn't a legal matter...Originally Posted by waynegohl
http://adoption.about.com/od/typesof...adultadopt.htm
This is from a google search where I searched for "adult adoptions".
The wiki-answers on the same google page will not open but that seems to say you cannot adopt another adult.
Last edited by waynegohl; 05-08-2012 at 07:55 PM.
You adopt children for purposes of care. They are never legally 'yours', you just gain the responsibilty of caring for them under law.
By the same token, an adult cannot give away his human right to freedom: not even willingly. Essentially even though your step-daughters 'want it' you cannot 'adopt' them because they are separate legal entities with their own rights and responsibilities.
That being said, you can specify them by name in wills or legal documents as beneficiaries. If its so important to you, they could choose to legally change their names.
As far as other benefits: medical aids for example, you can put them on as special dependants, under your legal position as step-father or sole financial provider or whatever.
But you can. not. adopt. a legal adult.
Adoption is not an viable alternative to good estate planning.
"Le mieux est l'ennemi du bien." FM Arouet
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke
"Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience" Unknown
Indeed and if more Warm Fuzzies are required, said child could formally change their name to yours
a2
Guidewire Gosu = Go Slow!
Just mention all you heirs (family AND stepfamily) pertinently in your will. Problem solved.
WTH is a legal adult ?
For purposes of this discussion any person over the age of 18.
There is no such a thing as a legal adult. That implies that some people are "illegal". How is a person "legal" or "illegal" ??? That makes no sense.
The correct term is the age of majority.
Ok. Thanks.
According to the US Department of State :
So take up the nomenclature with Secretary Clinton.Turning 18: When a child reaches the age of 18, they become a full legal adult in most US localities.
Last edited by abzo; 06-08-2012 at 10:39 AM.
You might want to do this to get them on your medical aid.
Most medical aids let you have a "kid" up to the age of 25, so then it becomes problematic if you have a 19 year old stepchild who you want to put on your medical aid.
Also the legal age for emancipation is 21, not 18. Your parents have to provide for you up until that age, you can't act as a legal entity before you are 21 either... so its quite odd that you can't be adopted.
Perhaps you can assign guardianship though ?
"What can be asserted without proof can be dismissed without proof." ~ Christopher Hitchens
The correct term is a legal entity... meaning that you can act in your own capacity as an adult
"What can be asserted without proof can be dismissed without proof." ~ Christopher Hitchens
I don't know where you live, but we do NOT live in the US.
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