Can I adopt my stepson or stepdaughter who is over 18 in North Carolina?

Yes! This is one of the most popular services we offer. Adult adoption allows you to legally adopt your stepson or stepdaughter who is 18 or older in North Carolina.

Adult adoption in North Carolina allows a stepparent to legally adopt a stepchild who is 18 years or older. It's simpler than minor child adoption:

• Only the adult adoptee's consent is required — no biological parent consent needed
• No home study required
• No background check required
• Timeline: Typically 4-8 weeks from filing to finalization
• Cost: Same $349 document preparation fee
• Filed in North Carolina District Court

Adult adoption creates a full legal parent-child relationship with inheritance rights, medical decision-making authority, and official family recognition. This is increasingly popular as blended families want to formalize long-standing relationships. Many families tell us this is one of the most emotional and meaningful experiences of their lives.

Many families tell us the adult adoption finalization is incredibly emotional — both the stepparent and the adult child often describe it as "making official what's been true in our hearts for years."