can I adopt an 18 year old youth who I have raised from 6 months old and have a father/son relationship?

Answer 1

If he is 18, he is now considered a man and therefore not eligible to be adopted. My husband just paid for both children to change their name by deed poll. As far as he is concerned they are his children, and a certificate will not change that.

Answer 2

I know of a case in Florida where a man in our community adopted a 21yr old. In that case, the 21yr old boy was going to be a ward of the state due to mental handicap. But, it is possible. I'd try to file it in court and see what happens.

I know at 18 a lot of people would tell you it's just a piece of paper. I don't believe that. I think that after so many years together it would be a great way to show this kid how much he means to you. I don't think it would be any different than my marriage license showing the world how much my wife means to me. It says you aren't just pretending to be father and son, you aren't just father and son in your own eyes, you are father and son legally for the whole world to see.

Think about this also. If he's your legal son it could effect important events later on. If he were to join the military, it would make a difference in his ability to get emergency leave if you were to become gravely ill or die. The company I work for will give an employee 3 days off with pay to attend the funeral of their legal or biological father but, there's no paid time off or excused absence for my step father who raised me from age four but, never adopted me when he passes some day. They will also approve FMLA leave for an adopted father but, not for a step father.

Answer 3

If you've raised him since he was 6 months old you have a father son relationship already. Why didn't you start adoption proceedings before now. He's considered an adult now and unless he has a mental handicap I don't know if you can. You have that bond with him you don't need a piece of paper. As for inheritance just make out a will he can still receive your things if this is your concern.

Answer 4

Yes, in the United States, anyone can be adopted by anyone else at any age. I have a friend who is in her thirties who was adopted by her stepdad a year or two ago. He is the only grandfather her kids have ever known on that side and she is the only child he or her mother have, so it secures her inheritance to have been adopted. There are lots of other reasons to adopt someone you love.

Answer 5

i don't see why not but i must assume it has something to do with legal reasons IE your inheritance will pass on to him if you die or something ? if so i would have a lawyer go through all the paperwork regarding inheritance and adoption before hand .
i say this because at 18 he is a legal adult and so cannot be parted from you for any reason other than if a court decides you are a danger to him and orders no contact .

Answer 6

if u have raised him all this time then dont see any need to adopt him as u already have a father son relationship and nothing gonna stop that now and i guess he will always remember this .

Answer 7

i don't think it's possible because he's no longer a minor, but you could give it a try. if not, i don't think it matters. it sounds like a really nice relationship in which it doesn't even matter that you arent his official dad. if you are like a father to him, that's probably enough, and just let him know that he is your son, no matter what. i hope it all goes well.

Answer 8

if youve raised im i dont see the problem
if teh boy says yes tehn no problem
dont forget it jsuta piece of papaer in my eye your already dad an son

Answer 9

In the UK, no, as he would be considered adult. In the US you aren't considered adult until 21 so can be adopted up until age 20.

Answer 10

since he is of legal age, I guess it would be possible.Call a lawyer, they should be able to answer that question , over the phone.