Yes, it is possible to adopt someone over 18 in Connecticut. The state's laws do not define a specific upper age limit for an individual to be adopted, allowing for adult adoptions.
Understanding Adult Adoption in Connecticut
Adult adoption establishes a legal parent-child relationship between two adults. This type of adoption is typically pursued for various reasons, such as formalizing long-standing family relationships (e.g., stepparents adopting adult stepchildren who they have raised), for inheritance purposes, or to ensure legal recognition of a deeply meaningful bond.
Key Requirements for Adult Adoption in Connecticut
While less complex than the adoption of a minor, adult adoption in Connecticut still involves specific legal requirements that must be met:
- Adopter's Age: The individual seeking to adopt must be older than the person they are adopting. There is no specific upper age limit for the adopter, but they must be a legal adult themselves.
- Adoptee's Consent: Crucially, the adult being adopted must provide their explicit written agreement to the adoption. This written consent is then submitted to a judge as part of the adoption petition.
- Court Approval: The adoption must be approved by a Connecticut Probate Court. The process typically involves filing a petition for adult adoption, providing the necessary documentation, and attending a court hearing where a judge will review the circumstances and confirm the mutual consent and intent of both parties.
Unlike the extensive background checks and home studies often required for the adoption of minors, the process for adult adoption generally focuses more on the mutual desire of the parties to create a legal parent-child relationship and less on parental fitness. For more detailed information on the process and forms, individuals should consult the Connecticut Judicial Branch website or a qualified attorney specializing in family law.
