How do I adopt an adult in Pennsylvania?

Yes, in Pennsylvania you adopt an adult by filing a petition in the court of common pleas in the right county, getting the required consents, and attending a court hearing. The statute says "Any individual may be adopted, regardless of his age or residence" (23 Pa.C.S. 2311). Its eligibility language does not add a relationship, prior-contact, age-gap or spouse-bar condition.

Where you file: The petition goes to the court of common pleas of the county, through the appropriate division (23 Pa.C.S. 2301). The statute doesn't name the division. Orphans' Court is common practice, so ask the Orphans' Court clerk in your county which office takes adult adoption petitions. Venue lies in the county where the parent(s), the adoptee, or the person who filed the report of intention to adopt lives (23 Pa.C.S. 2302). Pennsylvania has 67 counties, and local filing details can differ.

Residency: There is no minimum residency period. The statute applies "regardless of his age or residence."

Consents: These are the consents the statute lists:

• The adoptee must consent. This applies to any adoptee over 12, so it covers every adult (23 Pa.C.S. 2711).
• The adopter's spouse must consent unless the spouse joins the petition.
• The adoptee's parents must consent only if the adoptee is under 18.
• A guardian consents for an adoptee who is incapacitated.
• When the adoptee is over 18, the court may dispense with every consent except the adoptee's (23 Pa.C.S. 2713).

The adoptee's spouse is not listed among the required consents. If that applies to you, confirm how the court handles it with the clerk or an attorney.

Home study: A home study is not required for adults. The report-of-intention and investigation provisions apply to a child under 18. The court may still request an investigation by a person or public agency (23 Pa.C.S. 2724).

Hearing: A hearing is required. The court sets a time and place (23 Pa.C.S. 2721). The adopting parent(s) and the adoptee must appear, and testify if required, unless the court finds their presence unnecessary (23 Pa.C.S. 2723).

Typical steps:

• Confirm the adoptee's consent and any other consent that applies to your situation.
• Prepare the petition and supporting documents for your county.
• File with the court and pay the filing fee. Pennsylvania court filing fees generally fall in the $200-$500 range, and the clerk can confirm the exact amount.
• Attend the hearing together.

Timeline: Adult adoptions in Pennsylvania typically take about 4-8 weeks. The exact timing depends on your county's court schedule.

When to get individual help: If a consent is unclear, if the adoptee has a guardian, or if someone may object, ask the Orphans' Court clerk or an attorney about your specific facts. The answer can depend on details of your situation.

How we help: StepParent Adoption 360 is a document preparation service, not a law firm. You answer questions online, and we prepare the complete court document package for your county. You then file it yourself, without an attorney. The price is $349 for one adult adoptee. Court-ready documents arrive within 24-48 hours after you finish the questions, and we back them with a 100% court acceptance guarantee.