How do I adopt an adult in Kansas?

In Kansas, you adopt an adult by filing a petition for adoption in the District Court, and any adult, or married adult couple together, may adopt any minor or adult as their child. Kansas sets no relationship, disability or age-gap condition for adopting an adult (K.S.A. 59-2112(a)). The law only requires that the person adopting be an "adult" (K.S.A. 59-2113), and it gives no numeric age for that. Whether a particular situation is a good fit for adoption is a question for an attorney or the District Court clerk.

Where to file: Kansas has 105 counties, each with a District Court. The court has jurisdiction if either you or the adult you want to adopt lives in Kansas. Venue is the county where either of you lives, or any county if all parties in interest agree in writing. Kansas sets no minimum residency period (K.S.A. § 59-2126(c)).

What the petition must include: The petition must state the facts showing the reasons for the adoption. Kansas applies its adult adoption rules through K.S.A. 59-2137.

Who must consent:

• The adult being adopted (or that person's legal guardian, if the adult is disabled).
• Your spouse, if you are married (or your spouse's legal guardian, if your spouse is disabled).
• The adoptee's parents do not consent. The court may order notice to them. If a former parent had no notice and can be located, you must mail that parent a certified copy of the decree.

Home study: Kansas does not require one for an adult adoption. The assessment and investigation in K.S.A. § 59-2132 is not among the sections that apply to adult adoptions.

The hearing: A hearing is required. The court sets the time and place. It may be held with or without notice, as the court directs, and may be held right away. Notice to consenting parties is required unless they waive it. If anyone objects, or you aren't sure who needs notice, ask the clerk or an attorney about that specific issue.

Timeline and cost: Adult adoptions in Kansas typically take 4-8 weeks. Court filing fees typically run $150-$300, and your county clerk can confirm the current amount. Total cost is typically under $1,000 when you file without an attorney.

After the decree: If you want to update a birth record, contact the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics. The District Court clerk can tell you which certified copies to request.

Step by step:

• Confirm the county where you or the adoptee lives.
• Prepare the petition, with the reasons for the adoption, and the consent forms.
• File with the District Court clerk and pay the filing fee.
• Handle any notice the court orders.
• Attend the hearing and receive the decree.

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