Here’s an Overview of New Jersey Law Governing the Adoption of an Adult by an Adult
In New Jersey, it is legal for an adult to adopt another adult. New Jersey defines an adult as anyone eighteen (18) years old or older.
Unless waived by a court, the consent of the person being adopted is required. An adult may be adopted by an unmarried adult, a married adult with the consent of his or her spouse, or a married couple jointly.
If the adoption is approved, the court enters a judgment, and the natural parents’ rights to inherit from the adult person adopted are terminated, but the adopted person’s right to inherit from his or her natural parents is preserved. All other relations, except those noted in the prior sentence, between the natural biological parent and the adult person who is adopted are terminated.
In general, the relationship between the adopted adult and the adopting parent(s) is the same as if the person adopted had been born to the adopting parents or adopted as a minor child. At Hanlon Niemann & Wright, we have handled adult adoptions and welcome the opportunity to help in this meaningful process.
If you have questions about the adoption of an adult by another adult(s) in NJ, contact Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. at (732) 863-9900 or fniemann@hnlawfirm.com to schedule a consultation about your particular needs. He welcomes your calls and inquiries, and you’ll find him easy to talk to and very approachable.
Written by Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. of Hanlon Niemann & Wright, a Freehold, New Jersey, Monmouth County Adoption Attorney