Do you wonder how much does it cost to adopt someone over 18? The legal process of adopting a child who is older than 18 can be lengthy and costly. Adopting an adult can be a profoundly meaningful and life-altering experience for many, but it’s important to weigh the financial costs and benefits thoroughly first.
So, how much does it cost to adopt someone over 18? Whether the adoption is domestic or international, as well as the involvement of adoption agencies or attorneys, can also affect the final price tag.
This article will discuss the costs of adopting a person over the age of 18 and give an overview of the financial factors that prospective adoptive parents should think about.
Legal Requirements for Adult Adoption
You cannot understand how much does it cost to adopt someone over 18 without the basics of legal requirements for adopting someone over 18 years old. Although the specific procedures for adopting an adult are determined by local law, the following are typically required:
- Consent: The person being adopted (the adoptee) must consent to the adoption. In some jurisdictions, the adoptee’s spouse or partner may also need to consent.
- Petition: The person seeking to adopt (the petitioner) must file a petition with the court. The petition typically includes information about the adoptee, the petitioner’s relationship with the adoptee, and the reasons for the adoption.
- Background check: The petitioner may be required to undergo a background check to ensure they are fit to adopt.
- Hearing: A hearing will be scheduled where the court will review the petition and any other information related to the adoption.
- Order: If the court approves the adoption, it will issue an order legally recognizing the adoptee as the petitioner’s child.Â

Typical Costs Associated with Adopting Someone Over 18
To calculate how much it costs to adopt someone over 18, it’s important to know what kinds of costs are related to adult adoption so that we can know how much does it cost to adopt someone over 18. Depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the case, the costs associated with adult adoption vary.
Legal fees, filing fees, background check fees, court costs, and counseling fees are some of the common expenses associated with the adoption process.
The legal requirements for adult adoption vary by jurisdiction but generally include obtaining the adoptee’s consent, filing a petition with the court, submitting to a background check, attending a hearing, and obtaining a court order recognizing the adoptee as the petitioner’s child.

It is essential to note that adult adoption is not permitted in all jurisdictions, and some jurisdictions may impose additional requirements or restrictions.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt Someone Over 18 in Total?
Once you have the basics of the legal requirements and costs associated with adult adoption, it’s time to discuss how much does it cost to adopt someone over 18.
In fact, it is difficult to estimate the cost of adult adoption because it varies greatly based on the jurisdiction, the case circumstances, and the fees charged by attorneys and other professionals involved in the process. However, legal fees, filing fees, background check fees, court costs, and counseling fees can be associated with adult adoption.

In some instances, how much does it cost to adopt someone over 18 can exceed several thousand dollars. Consult an attorney familiar with the adoption laws in your jurisdiction in order to determine the specific costs associated with adult adoption in your area. They can provide you with an estimate of the total cost based on the particulars of your case.
Factors Affect How Much Does It Cost to Adopt Someone Over 18
How much does it cost to adopt someone over 18 years old can be affected by a number of variables, including the jurisdiction in which the adoption takes place, attorney fees, court costs, counseling fees, background check fees, and other expenses.
Depending on the complexity of the case and the specifics of the situation, the total cost of adult adoption can vary significantly.

Consulting an attorney familiar with adoption laws in your jurisdiction to obtain a more accurate estimate of how much does it cost to adopt someone over 18 based on the unique circumstances of your case is always advisable.
Tips for Managing the Costs of Adult Adoption
Now that the blog post has just explained how much does it cost to adopt someone over 18. Here are some suggestions for managing the costs of adult adoption:
- Research the legal requirements and costs associated with adult adoption in your jurisdiction before beginning the adoption process.
- Communicate your budget to your attorney and request an estimate of the total costs involved.
- Some jurisdictions provide adoption cases with free or low-cost legal resources.Â
- While it is possible to estimate the total cost, unexpected expenses may still arise. Establish a contingency fund to prepare for unforeseen expenditures.
- Crowdfunding or fundraising events can help offset a portion of the expenses associated with adult adoption.Â
- You may be eligible for tax credits or deductions related to adoption expenses, depending on your jurisdiction.

Conclusion
In conclusion, how much does it cost to adopt someone over 18 can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances of the case. With these tips that Janet McCullar mentioned above, you can manage the costs of adult adoption and make this important step a reality.
FAQs about the Costs of Adult Adoption
What are the typical costs associated with adult adoption?
The typical costs associated with adult adoption include legal fees, filing fees, background check fees, court costs, and counseling fees.
What factors can affect how much does it cost to adopt someone over 18?
Factors that can affect the cost of adult adoption include the jurisdiction in which the adoption takes place, attorney fees, court costs, counseling fees, background check fees, and other expenses.
How much does adult adoption cost?
The cost of adult adoption can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances of the case. However, the total cost can be several thousand dollars or more.
Can I adopt someone over 18 for free?
In some jurisdictions, there may be low-cost or free legal resources available for adult adoption cases. However, there are still likely to be some costs involved.
Can I get financial assistance for adult adoption?
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be eligible for tax credits or deductions related to adoption expenses. Crowdfunding or fundraising events can also help offset some of the costs.
Can I negotiate the fees charged by my attorney?
It’s possible to negotiate the fees charged by your attorney, but it’s important to be upfront about your budget and expectations from the beginning.
Can I estimate how much does it cost to adopt someone over 18?
While the total cost of adult adoption can vary widely, you can estimate the expected costs by researching the legal requirements and fees in your jurisdiction and discussing fees with your attorney.
Are there any tax benefits to adopting someone over 18?
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be eligible for tax credits or deductions related to adoption expenses.
Can I apply for financial aid for adult adoption?
There is no specific financial aid available for adult adoption, but there may be low-cost or free legal resources available in some jurisdictions.
Can I fundraise for adult adoption?
Yes, crowdfunding or fundraising events can help offset some of the costs associated with adult adoption.