Intro

In Arizona, adoptions aren’t just for kids. Based on an Arizona statute, adults can adopt other adults–so long as certain conditions are met. In this article I’ll cover under what circumstances you (an adult) can adopt another adult.

The applicable Arizona statute is A.R.S. 14-8101, part of which says:

Any adult person may adopt either another adult person who is at least eighteen years of age and not more than twenty-one years of age and who consents to the adoption or another adult person who is a stepchild, niece, nephew, cousin or grandchild of the adopting person, by an agreement of adoption approved by a decree of adoption of the court in the county in which either the person adopting or the person adopted resides.  A foster parent may adopt an adult who was placed in the foster parent’s care when the adult was a juvenile if the foster parent has maintained a continuous familial relationship with that person for five or more years.

So, let’s break that down so it’s easier to understand.

Special Window of Opportunity to Adopt

If the adult you’re looking to adopt is between 18 and 21 (cannot be 22), then you can adopt that person with any required family connection. Of course, this assumes that the court finds the adoption is in the best interest of you, the person you want to adopt, and the public. I have met with quite a few people who wanted to adopt another adult, but were unable to fulfill any of the other requirements and missed their opportunity by waiting too long. If you’re interested in adopting another adult and they are about to turn 22 years old, act fast before your adoption window shuts.

Adult Adoption for Extended Family

Even if the adult you want to adopt is over 21 years old, you can still adopt that adult IF they are:

  • A stepchild
  • A niece
  • A nephew
  • A cousin
  • A grandchild

Most commonly I’ve seen grandparents and/or stepparents adopt their grandkids or grandchildren. Particularly for stepparents, adult adoption may be an ideal option to finally create a legally binding parent-child relationship. For some, adoption was not an option while the stepchild was a minor due to a difficult biological parent or a failed severance action. Once your stepchild becomes an adult, an adult adoption can typically move forward regardless of a difficult biological parent’s objection.

Foster Parent Adoption

Lastly, foster parents can also have an exception to the 18-21 year old window so long as the foster parent has maintained a familial relationship with a foster child for 5 years. For some foster parents, an adoption wasn’t possible due to the age of the foster child and length termination proceedings, or perhaps a return of the child. However, if you maintained a familial relationship with a foster child who is now an adult for 5 or more years, you can adopt that foster child (adult).

How to Get an Adult Adoption in Arizona

Now you know whether you can adopt a particular adult. If you meet the requirements, your next question is likely how to go about getting and adult adoption in Arizona. Well, you can jump over to our ultimate Arizona Adult Adoption Guide here to learn about the entire process and how we can help complete the adoption process.