How do I adopt an adult in New Jersey?

You adopt an adult in New Jersey by filing in the Superior Court in your county. The adopter shows good moral character and reputable standing, the adoptee asks for the adoption in writing, and the court finds the adoption will benefit the adoptee (N.J.S.A. 2A:22-1 and N.J.S.A. 2A:22-2). Adult adoption falls under a separate part of New Jersey law from child adoption, which covers only people under 18.

Who can adopt:

• The adopter must be of good moral character and reputable standing in the community.
• The adoption must benefit the adoptee.
• The adopter must be at least 10 years older than the adoptee. The court may waive this gap if the adoptee's best interests would be served, and the waiver must be recited in the judgment (N.J.S.A. 2A:22-2).
• An unmarried adopter must be "of full age." The statute gives no specific number, so the Superior Court clerk can confirm how the court applies it.
• The statute sets no requirement that the adoptee be a relative or stepchild, or have a prior relationship with the adopter.

Consents and paperwork:

• The adoptee's request. The adoptee must request the adoption in a writing acknowledged the way a deed is acknowledged. The court may waive this (N.J.S.A. 2A:22-2).
• A married adopter. The spouse must consent, or the spouses adopt jointly (N.J.S.A. 2A:22-1).
• Birth parents and the adoptee's spouse. The statute does not mention consent from either. If this matters in your situation, ask the Superior Court clerk or an attorney.

Steps:

• Confirm the basics. Check the age gap, the written request and, if you are married, your spouse's role.
• Prepare the court papers. This includes the adoptee's acknowledged written request and the petition for your county.
• File with the Superior Court. File in the county where you are pursuing the adoption. New Jersey has 21 counties, and each clerk's office can explain local filing practice.
• Attend the hearing, if one is set. The adult adoption statute does not spell out hearing details, so the clerk can tell you what your county expects.
• Receive the judgment. If the court waived the age gap or the written request, that waiver is recited in the judgment.

Questions to confirm with the clerk:

• Residency. No residency period is listed for adult adoption, so ask what the court expects for your filing.
• Home study. New Jersey's adult adoption statute does not address a home study, so confirm whether your court asks for anything.
• Fees. New Jersey court filing fees run in the $200-$350 range. Ask the clerk for the exact fee for your filing.