Adult Adoption in Arkansas

Adult adoption, though less common than child adoption, offers a legal pathway for adults to establish a permanent family bond with another adult. In Arkansas, adult adoption provides a unique opportunity to solidify existing relationships, create new ones, or even reconnect with estranged biological parents. Understanding the legalities and motivations behind adult adoption in Arkansas can empower individuals seeking to expand their families.

Why adopt an adult?

One of the primary motivations for adult adoption in Arkansas is to formalize a pre-existing, close relationship. This could be between an adult child and a stepparent who has raised them since childhood. The adult child might desire inheritance rights, medical decision-making authority for the stepparent, or simply a deeper legal recognition of the familial bond they share. For many of the same reasons, an adult might seek to adopt a close friend who has become a significant source of support and love throughout their lives.

Another reason for adult adoption in Arkansas is to re-establish a connection with a biological parent from whom the individual was separated in childhood. This could be due to adoption by another family, estrangement, or other circumstances. Adult adoption in this case allows the individual to legally renew their familial ties and potentially gain access to family history or medical information.

How does adult adoption work?

The legal process for adult adoption in Arkansas is generally simpler than child adoption. Unlike child adoption, there is no requirement for a home study or for the consent of the biological parents. This is because adult adoptees are considered capable of making their own decisions about their families.

The core requirement for adult adoption in Arkansas is the mutual consent of the petitioner (the person seeking to adopt) and the respondent (the person being adopted). Both parties must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. They must also file a petition with the probate court in the county where one of them resides. The petition outlines the nature of the relationship between the petitioner and respondent and their desire to establish a legal parent-child bond.

Once the petition is filed, a hearing date is set before a probate judge. At the hearing, both the petitioner and respondent must appear before the judge and answer questions about their motivations for the adoption. The judge will review the petition and ensure that the adoption is in the best interests of all parties involved. If the judge approves the adoption, a final decree of adoption is issued, and the legal parent-child relationship is established.

Following the final decree, the adopted adult enjoys many of the same legal rights and responsibilities as a biological child. This may include inheritance rights, medical decision-making authority in case of incapacity, and the right to receive social security benefits based on the adoptive parent’s work history. Additionally, the adopted adult’s name can be legally changed to reflect the new familial relationship.

An important difference

There are a few additional considerations for adult adoption in Arkansas. If the respondent (the person being adopted) has a spouse, their spouse’s written consent is also required for the adoption to proceed. Additionally, adult adoption can have some tax implications, so it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand any potential tax consequences.

While the process is generally simpler than child adoption, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements, motivations, and potential consequences of adult adoption before embarking on this legal journey. Consulting with an adoption attorney like Heimer Law can provide valuable guidance and ensure a smooth adoption process.