Can an Illinois adult adoption include a last-name change?

Illinois adoption paperwork can request the name the adult will use. Confirm that the petition and final order reflect the requested name, and check eligibility and court procedure before filing. Adoption and the later updates to identification or birth records are separate steps.

Check adult-adoption eligibility

750 ILCS 50/3 requires the adult to meet the specified relationship condition or the alternative continuous period of more than two years residing in the intended adopting persons' home. Do not assume any two adults qualify merely because they agree.

Put the name request in the petition

Section 5(B)(i) and (C) make the name to be given to the adult part of the adult petition's contents. Include the exact requested name and verify it throughout the packet. If the adult wishes to retain their current name, say so clearly.

Consent and the court's decision

Section 8(e) says that only the adult's consent is required for adult adoption. That consent rule is specific to Illinois. It does not mean the petition, statutory eligibility or court approval is unnecessary.

Section 14(f-1) permits an adult-adoption judgment after the adult has consented. It does not promise finalization in four to six weeks. Follow your circuit court's filing and appearance instructions and ask about current court and certified-copy fees.

Check the final order before updating records

Obtain certified copies of the order and confirm the adoption and name provisions the court actually entered. Ask the birth-record agency, SSA, passport authority and other institutions which evidence they require. Do not assume every record updates automatically or that the adoption package pays separate agency fees.

Preparation checklist

1. Confirm the qualifying relationship or residence facts.
2. Gather identity, birth and relevant marriage records.
3. Agree on the precise requested name.
4. Review the petition, consent and proposed order.
5. Follow the court's filing, hearing and records instructions.

Read the name-change planning guide, adult adoption, and Illinois's state guide before starting the questionnaire.