Adoption
Adult Adoptions
Adoptions of adult adoptees under New Mexico's separate adult adoption statute — for sentimental and inheritance reasons alike.
How adult adoption is different
Adult adoptions are governed by a completely separate statute from adoptions of minor children. They do not require consent or termination of the adult adoptee's biological parents. Most adoption attorneys do not have experience with the adult adoption statute. Our firm does.
Sentimental adult adoptions
Many adult adoptions are entered for sentimental reasons — formalizing a parent-child relationship that has existed for years between a stepparent and a stepchild, or between a long-term caregiver and the person they raised.
Inheritance and adult adoption
“Adult adoption can have important inheritance consequences, because an adult adoptee gains the legal right to inherit as a child of the adoptive parent.”
Adult adoption can have important inheritance consequences, because an adult adoptee gains the legal right to inherit as a child of the adoptive parent. We help families understand and intentionally plan for those consequences.
Process and documentation
Adult adoptions are typically less procedurally intensive than adoptions of minors, but they still require the right petition, consents, and supporting documents. We make sure the file is complete and the order is entered cleanly.
Privacy of adult adoption
Our office handles adult adoptions with the same privacy and care we bring to every adoption. The decision to formalize a parent-child relationship in adulthood is significant and personal.
Coordinating with estate planning
“Because adult adoption affects inheritance, it should be considered alongside the family's broader estate planning.”
Because adult adoption affects inheritance, it should be considered alongside the family's broader estate planning. We work with our clients' estate planning attorneys when that coordination is needed.