Can an elderly stepparent adopt in New Hampshire?

Yes. In New Hampshire, a stepparent can adopt as long as they are an adult, meaning 18 or older (RSA 170-B:2, I and XI), and being older does not change that starting point. If you are worried about a specific age-related issue, the Circuit Court clerk in your county can confirm how it is handled locally.

Adopting a stepchild who is an adult: This is the route many older stepparents take, to formalize a bond that already exists.

• New Hampshire law says any individual may be adopted, and there is no required relationship between you and the person you adopt.
• Your spouse must join or assent to the petition (RSA 170-B:4).
• The adoptee, if 14 or older, must assent in writing, signed in the presence of the court. The court can excuse this only if it finds that requiring assent is not in the adoptee's best interests (RSA 170-B:3).
• If the adoptee is married, their spouse must also assent, though the court may waive this for good cause.
• A surrender of parental rights is not required from the parents of an adult adoptee.

Home study: Not mandatory for an adult adoption. The court may order an appropriate assessment if it wants help deciding whether the adoption is in the best interest of the people involved.

Residency: New Hampshire has no minimum residency period for adoption (RSA 170-B:15, I). The court has jurisdiction if the adoptee is present in the state when the petition is filed. An adult adoption petition may be filed at any time.

The hearing: A hearing is required. You and the adoptee must both appear unless the court excuses you for good cause.