How do I adopt an adult in Indiana?

In Indiana, an individual who is at least 18 years old may be adopted by an Indiana resident, and you start by filing a petition in a Circuit or Superior Court (a court with probate jurisdiction) in any Indiana county (IC 31-19-2-1). The data we rely on doesn't list a required relationship, a minimum adopter age or an age gap. For any of those questions, confirm with the Circuit or Superior Court clerk in your county or with an attorney.

Who can adopt and who can be adopted: The adoptee must be at least 18, and the adopter must be an Indiana resident. Indiana sets no minimum length of residency (Ind. Code § 31-19-2-2).

Consent: The adult being adopted must give their consent, acknowledged in open court. If the person adopting is married, the petition can't be granted unless both spouses join in it (IC 31-19-2-4). The exception is when the petitioner is married to the adoptee's biological or adoptive parent and that parent's acknowledged consent is filed. This is common in stepfamily situations.

Court appearance: Because consent must be acknowledged in open court, plan on the adoptee appearing before the judge. Ask the clerk how your county schedules these hearings.

Home study: For an adult adoption, a home study is discretionary. The court may order the kind of investigation done in a child adoption, or any other inquiry it considers advisable. Don't assume one will be required or skipped. The clerk can tell you how your court usually handles it.

Special notice rule: If the adoptee is a lifetime sex or violent offender who intends to change their name, they must give written notice of the petition and the new name to local law enforcement. That notice goes to the county of conviction and the county of residence (IC 31-19-2-1.1).

Basic steps:

• Confirm the adopter lives in Indiana and the adoptee is at least 18.
• Prepare the petition and the adoptee's consent. If the adopter is married, prepare the spouse's joinder, or the acknowledged consent of the parent the adopter is married to.
• File with the clerk of a Circuit or Superior Court in an Indiana county and pay the filing fee. Court filing fees in Indiana are in the range of $200-$500. Your clerk can confirm the exact amount.
• Attend the hearing, where the adoptee's consent is acknowledged in open court.
• Once the adoption is granted, ask the clerk about certified copies of the decree. You will need them for records and any name change.

Timeline and cost: Adult adoptions in Indiana generally run about 4-8 weeks. Total costs are typically under $1,000 when you file on your own, compared with $3,000-$5,000+ when hiring an attorney. The exact timing depends on your court's calendar.

When to talk to an attorney: If anyone objects, if the facts are unusual, or if you have questions about inheritance or other legal consequences, ask the court clerk or an attorney about your specific situation.

How we help: StepParent Adoption 360 is a document preparation service, not a law firm.