Example, if I am a single woman with no living relatives, and I have a friend who is like a sister to me, can I legally "adopt" her as my sibling so that she can act in the role of next-of-kin for me when needed?
2007-11-06 04:23:01 · 6 answers · asked by joe friday's grrl 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I just feel this is someone who knows me well enough to make serious decisions for me if I wasn't able to for one reason or another, and she is also someone who I would leave everything to if I should happen to pass on before she does. But she is actually a few years older than me, and there are currently no matters in which I would need her to act for me. I am just thinking about future possibilities.
2007-11-06 04:32:58 · update #1
What EXACTLY are you wanting her to do?
EDITED BASED ON RESPONSE:
Then I would advise a MEDICAL POA for the event that you become in need of critical care.
I would also strongly suggest a LIVING WILL which spells out exactly how you want your life to end should it come to that.
Also, a standby guardianship petition (unusual but done for adults also) would grant her the power that a Medical POA does not to take care of your 'estate' should you be incapacitated for any length of time.
I would definately advise discussing the matter with a local attorney before you do anything. The main issue is one of what to do IF and when you cannot make the decisions for yourself.
2007-11-06 04:27:38 · answer #1 · answered by hexeliebe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to do an adoption. Plus many state laws only allow adoptions between adults if the adoptor is older than the adoptee or if the adults are at least 10 years apart in age.
What you are describing is what is called a DURABLE Power of Attorney. Go visit an attorney, it will cost you about $500 for the attorney to do everything for you. It will be worth your piece of mind!
You also may want to consider having a Living Will done where you can describe if you want the "plug" to be pulled on you if you are in a coma, etc...
2007-11-06 12:39:48 · answer #2 · answered by Dina K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No need to adopt an adult. But do a will and power of attorney for health care.
2007-11-06 12:49:53 · answer #3 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure you have a will written out and a power of attorney (as mentioned above). Without a will, your estate will be held up in probate court. Also be sure you have a 'living will', if you are incapable due to medical conditions to speak for yourself.
2007-11-06 12:34:30 · answer #4 · answered by Empress Jan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just need to give her power of attorney.
2007-11-06 12:26:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you don't have to "adopt" her if you read on the final rights thing it asks you to just name an "heir"
2007-11-06 12:38:02 · answer #6 · answered by beauty_tells_all 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋