adult adoption

[mtrippe]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? West Virginia
My grandaughter will turn 18 in february and wants me to adopt her. I brought her home from the hospital and my husband and I cared for her her entire life, along with our other 3 children. He died in 1994..the only father she ever knew. She is a college student now and doing very well, but wants the adoption. I really can't afford an attorney and don't see why we would need one. Can I get papers through legal aid and file on my own? She also wants a new birth certificate with my and my husband listed as her parents. Thank you for any info you can supply.
M. Trippe

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by mtrippe

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? West Virginia
My grandaughter will turn 18 in february and wants me to adopt her. I brought her home from the hospital and my husband and I cared for her her entire life, along with our other 3 children. He died in 1994..the only father she ever knew. She is a college student now and doing very well, but wants the adoption. I really can't afford an attorney and don't see why we would need one. Can I get papers through legal aid and file on my own? She also wants a new birth certificate with my and my husband listed as her parents. Thank you for any info you can supply.
M. Trippe

You would have to adopt her as a single parent, therefore your husband could not be listed as her father.

For an adult adoption, it might not cost much for an attorney. I would recommend at least getting a consult with a few adoption attorneys in your area.