Why Can't We Adopt Adults In South Africa?

[intel8080]

Yes I'm sure it will be deemed slavery if 2 consenting adults agree to it.

I guess hiring a gardener and a maid to clean a house is slavery too.

Are you suggesting one should dictate the life of one's gardner or maid like one is doing to one's children? You are sooo confused. Get a life The main reason for adoption is to take decisions and care for someone who can't because of under age. It will be a insult to a 40 year old to be adopted by a 60 year old - mind you, it should be possible if the younger one is mentally handicapped or something. WTF

 

[waynegohl]

Are you suggesting one should dictate the life of one's gardner or maid like one is doing to one's children? You are sooo confused. Get a life The main reason for adoption is to take decisions and care for someone who can't because of under age. It will be a insult to a 40 year old to be adopted by a 60 year old - mind you, it should be possible if the younger one is mentally handicapped or something. WTF

WTF are you on about???

Wait, don't let me say what I want to say here.

Do you have a problem reading or understanding what I have asked???

How does one person dictate how another person lives their life IF BOTH PARTIES WANT THIS ADOPTION????????????

WTF, you have serious issues!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DJ...]

WTF are you on about???

Wait, don't let me say what I want to say here.

Do you have a problem reading or understanding what I have asked???

How does one person dictate how another person lives their life IF BOTH PARTIES WANT THIS ADOPTION????????????

WTF, you have serious issues!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wayne, what are the practical reasons for wanting this? As far as I can tell, one adult "adopting" another serves absolutely no purpose...

 

[Rocket Raccoon]

Are you suggesting one should dictate the life of one's gardner or maid like one is doing to one's children? You are sooo confused. Get a life The main reason for adoption is to take decisions and care for someone who can't because of under age. It will be a insult to a 40 year old to be adopted by a 60 year old - mind you, it should be possible if the younger one is mentally handicapped or something. WTF

Mandatory institutionalisation.

 

[waynegohl]

Wayne, what are the practical reasons for wanting this? As far as I can tell, one adult "adopting" another serves absolutely no purpose...

DJ....., I was having a family discussion about adoptions and whilst looking online there was nothing really mentioning the adoption of an adult "child" so I asked our law student friend what she knew so discussed the matter further. She said it was illegal in this country but as far as we know there was not a law forbidding it, so my question was why can't we adopt an adult person if both parties are in agreement with it.

 

[DJ...]

DJ....., I was having a family discussion about adoptions and whilst looking online there was nothing really mentioning the adoption of an adult "child" so I asked our law student friend what she knew so discussed the matter further. She said it was illegal in this country but as far as we know there was not a law forbidding it, so my question was why can't we adopt an adult person if both parties are in agreement with it.

Firstly, there would be no purpose to it. Secondly, it is probably dealt with under laws specifically designed for children. Ergo, once you turn a certain age, you no longer fall under the ambit of that law. Therefore there is no provisioning for adults to be adopted, not that it is illegal. Although it does become interesting when dealing with the handicapped, as they might need someone to be registered as a legal guardian, more than just a caretaker, even over a certain age...

 

[waynegohl]

Firstly, there would be no purpose to it. Secondly, it is probably dealt with under laws specifically designed for children. Ergo, once you turn a certain age, you no longer fall under the ambit of that law. Therefore there is no provisioning for adults to be adopted, not that it is illegal. Although it does become interesting when dealing with the handicapped, as they might need someone to be registered as a legal guardian, more than just a caretaker, even over a certain age...

I am sure that could be argued in a court of law but would cost a pretty penny if someone wanted to go that route.

 

[DJ...]

I am sure that could be argued in a court of law but would cost a pretty penny if someone wanted to go that route.

What legal responsibilities do you have for your kids after they turn 18 (or is it 21?)? Nothing. Morally you do, but legally there is absolutely no responsibility on your part for anything they do. Therefore adoptions over that age would involve some sort of implied responsibility, and mitigates their own responsibilities. I think I understand you are not looking at it from a legal perspective, but rather a warm, fuzzy feeling perspective, for which the law cannot legislate for...

 

[Zewp]

It is kind of odd that you can't register someone as your child, especially not if both parties consent. I understand where you're coming from with it now. It's not about wanting to boss someone around or anything, just about having them listed as your family. At least, I think that's what you mean?

 

[waynegohl]

It is kind of odd that you can't register someone as your child, especially not if both parties consent. I understand where you're coming from with it now. It's not about wanting to boss someone around or anything, just about having them listed as your family. At least, I think that's what you mean?

You have it 100% correct.

 

[IzZzy]

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.

 

[DJ...]

You have it 100% correct.

But that's the warm, fuzzy feeling bit. It isn't a legal matter...

 

[waynegohl]

http://adoption.about.com/od/typesofadoption/a/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.

 

[EnchanterG]

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.

 

[bwana]

Adoption is not an viable alternative to good estate planning.

 

[alloytoo]

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.

Indeed and if more Warm Fuzzies are required, said child could formally change their name to yours

 

[blunomore]

If I was dying and wanted leave something to my family and I have a wife and a daughter and stepdaughters and I don't want any nonsense from my other family regarding my will, why can'y I adopt my stepdaughters to make them legally mine?

Just mention all you heirs (family AND stepfamily) pertinently in your will. Problem solved.

 

[blunomore]

But you can. not. adopt. a legal adult.

WTH is a legal adult ?

 

[EnchanterG]

WTH is a legal adult ?

For purposes of this discussion any person over the age of 18.

 

[blunomore]

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.