Is there an age limit for adult adoption in Washington?

No, Washington doesn't set an age limit for who can be adopted. State law says any person may be adopted, regardless of age or residence (RCW 26.33.140). An adult of any age can be the adoptee, as long as the usual steps below are followed.

Age rules on each side:

• The adoptee: No upper age limit applies. Once the adoptee is 18 or older, the adoption is handled as an adult adoption.
• The adopting parent: Any person who is legally competent and 18 or older may adopt (RCW 26.33.140(2)).
• Age gap or relationship: Washington's statute states no age-gap condition and no required relationship between the two of you. If you have a question about a particular situation, the Superior Court clerk in your county can confirm it.

Who must consent:

• The adoptee must consent if they are 14 or older, which covers every adult adoptee (RCW 26.33.160(1)).
• If the adoptee has a legal guardian, the guardian's consent is also needed.
• Parental consent is required only when the adoptee is under 18, so it isn't part of an adult adoption.
• If the person adopting is married, their spouse must join the petition (RCW 26.33.150(4)).

Home study: Washington doesn't require the preplacement or post-placement reports when the adoptee is 18 or older (RCW 26.33.220). That removes a step that slows down many child adoptions.

Residency and where to file: There is no residency requirement for the adoptee. You file in the Superior Court of the county where the person adopting lives or where the adoptee is domiciled (RCW 26.33.030). You don't need a separate waiting period before filing.

The hearing and timeline: The court schedules a hearing after you file. Notice goes to everyone whose consent is required, unless they waive notice in writing. The judge enters the decree after the hearing (RCW 26.33.240). Adult adoptions in Washington typically finalize in 4-8 weeks.

If your situation is less straightforward: If the adoptee has a guardian, or you aren't sure whether someone else has a say, check with the Superior Court clerk in your county or an attorney. The same applies to questions about inheritance or other effects of the adoption. These depend on your facts.

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, and your court-ready documents are delivered within 24-48 hours after you finish the questions. Our 100% court acceptance guarantee backs the package. We've helped 1104 Washington families, and more than 34,000 families nationwide since 2001.