Adult Adoption: Can You Realign with Your Biological Parents?

The idea of adult adoption can seem counterintuitive to some, especially when it comes to re-establishing ties with biological parents. However, this practice is increasingly common, and offers a way for individuals to affirm their identity and inheritance rights.

Understanding Adult Adoption in the U.S.

In the United States, an adult can indeed be adopted by their biological parents. This can be done through a process known as adult adoption, which often involves the termination of parental rights by the current adoptive parents. The birth certificate can then be amended to list the adult's biological parents, placing them on an equal footing with those who remained in the family.

While such an adoption is mostly symbolic, it can serve as a significant emotional step for adoptees, particularly if they wish to align themselves with their biological families for legal or personal reasons. For instance, standing as a next of kin can be a crucial advantage when it comes to inheritance matters.

Why Consider Adult Adoption?

There are several reasons why an adult might choose to pursue an adult adoption, even if they initially thought they would not. These include:

Aligning with biological family members: Personal connections can sometimes become stronger with the passage of time. For some adoptees, a desire to be closer to their biological parents or siblings can be overwhelming. Legal and financial benefits: Inheritance rights and other legal advantages can be significant motivators for pursuing an adult adoption. Personal peace of mind: Ending an adoption and severing ties with adoptive parents can provide the much-needed emotional closure that some individuals seek.

For example, consider the personal story of someone who has been adopted by another family for their entire life. They have grown up with their adoptive parents, who were wonderful but passed away after 25 years. The individual now finds themselves in a situation where one of their biological relatives is also no longer alive, making it difficult to find someone to adopt them. However, they still feel a strong connection to their biological family and may wish to realign with them as much as possible.

The Process and Challenges

There are a few ways an adult might pursue an adult adoption:

Termination of adoption: The process can be initiated if the adoptive parents agree to the termination of the adoption. This can be particularly challenging if the adoptive parents have invested significant time and resources into the relationship with the adoptee. Re-adopt by biological parents: Another option is for the biological parents to adopt the adult in question. This route does not require the permission of the adoptive parents, making it a more viable option. However, it may result in two adoptions, which might not be desirable to everyone. Annulling the adoption: Unfortunately, in many places, it is not possible to nullify an adoption. This has led to calls for more flexible policies, as the adoption can be seen as a lifelong contract lacking in the individual's consent.

For those interested in pursuing this path, it is advisable to consult with legal professionals who can guide them through the process and provide necessary support.

Conclusion

Adult adoption, while not for everyone, offers a powerful tool for those seeking to reconnect with their biological families. Whether to gain legal rights, affirm personal identity, or seek emotional closure, the process of adult adoption can be both meaningful and challenging. It is a journey that requires careful consideration and planning but can ultimately bring about a sense of belonging and peace.