In this answer · 5 sections
You don't need the birth parent's permission: California does not require their consent to an adult adoption. The petition does list living birth parents and adult children, and the court may let them know about the hearing, so plan for that as an ordinary part of the case.
Permission, information and notice
| Question | Practical meaning |
|---|---|
| Does the birth parent have to consent? | No. The adult-adoption consent rule doesn't require that parent's approval. |
| Does the petition ask about relatives? | Yes. List the names and addresses of living birth parents and adult children. |
| Can the court tell them about the hearing? | The court guide says it may notify them and let them provide information. |
| Does their input decide the case? | No. The judge decides based on the parties' best interests and the public interest. |
California Courts' adult-adoption guide explains that birth parents and adult children need not consent, but may be told about the hearing and allowed to provide information. The currently linked Sonoma petition shows how the relatives' names and addresses are requested. It's a 2013 local form, so use your own county's current version.
Filling in the petition
Give the details you have as accurately as you can. If you don't know an address, tell the preparer, say so in the petition, and keep any later court request with your case records.
The consent guide for California adults covers spouse or domestic-partner consents, which are separate from the birth-parent question.
Safety and family concerns
If contact would create a safety concern, raise it with the court's self-help center before reaching out to anyone or arranging notice, and ask how identifying information can be handled in your case.
Under section 9328, the judge considers the parties' best interests and the public interest. Follow the court's directions on information and hearing participation.
Special circumstances
The court guide has additional rules for adopting an adult with developmental disabilities. Section 9327 covers a regional-center report in the specified provider-related situation. If that applies to you, mention it at the start so the paperwork includes it.
Keep a simple list of who does the next task, how, and any date the court gives you. That keeps the case moving toward the hearing.
Continue with related California adult-adoption questions
Scheduling and timeline · Eligibility · Documents and filing · Who must consent · Ages and parent-child roles · Later-life planning · Who adopts whom.
Adult adoption in California at a glance
- Court
- Superior Court
- Typical timeline
- 2-3 months
- Court filing fee
- $20 to file the adult-adoption petition, according to California Courts. Confirm copy and other charges with your court.
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- 1,219
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