Adult Adoption in Texas: What It Is and How It Works

Adoption isn’t just for children. In Texas, adult adoption is a powerful legal option that can solidify lifelong emotional bonds, offer closure, or even reconnect estranged family members. But if you’ve never heard of adult adoption—or thought it was only something that happened in movies—you’re not alone. Many Texans are surprised to learn just how accessible this process is, and how much it can mean to the people involved.

At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we believe family is more than biology—it’s about commitment, care, and connection. Whether you’re looking to formalize a long-standing parental relationship, honor a step-parent who raised you, or create legal ties with someone who’s always been “like a son or daughter” to you, adult adoption might be exactly what you need.

Let’s walk through what adult adoption looks like in Texas, how it works, and why it could be one of the most meaningful decisions you ever make.

What Is Adult Adoption?

Adult adoption is the legal process of one adult adopting another adult—typically someone over the age of 18. Unlike minor child adoption, which involves state oversight and child welfare checks, adult adoption in Texas is far more straightforward.

There’s no requirement to terminate the biological parent’s rights, no home studies, and no waiting periods. Once both parties agree and meet the legal criteria, the court can issue an adoption order that creates a legally binding parent-child relationship.

This process is often used by:

• Stepparents and stepchildren looking to formalize their bond
• Adults reconnecting with biological parents after years of separation
• Long-term guardians who raised someone informally and want legal recognition
• Families who want to simplify inheritance and legal next-of-kin matters

Whatever your reason, adult adoption is about making your family structure official—and giving it the legal weight it deserves.

Who Can Be Adopted?

Under Texas law, anyone who is 18 or older can be adopted, as long as they consent. That’s right: adult adoption requires the adoptee to give written consent, since they’re no longer a minor. This mutual agreement is key to the process.

Unlike child adoptions, you don’t need to prove abandonment or unfitness of a biological parent. You simply need:

• Consent from both the adoptive parent and the adult being adopted
• A signed and notarized petition filed with the court
• A brief hearing in front of a judge to finalize the process

If the adult being adopted is married, their spouse may also need to consent, depending on the situation.

Why Do People Choose Adult Adoption?

Adult adoption is about far more than just paperwork. It’s a deeply personal choice that brings emotional, legal, and even financial benefits.

Here are some of the most common reasons people pursue it:

Emotional Bonding

Maybe you were raised by a step-parent, grandparent, or close family friend, and want to honor the role they played in your life. Adoption is a beautiful way to express gratitude and make that connection permanent.

Legal Benefits

Adopted adults gain inheritance rights and can be listed as next of kin. This simplifies estate planning, medical decisions, and survivor benefits—especially in blended families or non-traditional family structures.

Closure and Reunification

Sometimes adoption provides healing. A biological parent may reconnect with an adult child after years apart, and adoption becomes a way to close the emotional gap and start fresh with legal ties.

LGBTQ+ Family Recognition

In Texas, adult adoption can also help LGBTQ+ individuals secure legal recognition for chosen family members or establish parental rights where they might not otherwise exist.

How Does the Process Work?

Adult adoption in Texas follows a relatively simple legal path. Here’s what to expect:

1. File a Petition
   The adoptive parent files a petition in the county where either party lives. This includes personal details, relationship background, and signed consent forms.
2. Court Review
   Once the petition is filed, the court will set a hearing date. No background checks or home studies are required like in minor child adoptions.
3. Adoption Hearing
   During the hearing, the judge will confirm that both parties voluntarily agree to the adoption. Once satisfied, the court will issue a final order of adoption.
4. Update Legal Documents
   After adoption, the adult adoptee may change their name, update their birth certificate (in some cases), and revise wills or other legal documents to reflect their new legal status.

Can You Be Adopted Without Losing Ties to Your Birth Parents?

Yes. In adult adoptions, there’s no requirement to sever legal ties with your birth parents—unless that’s something you specifically want. The law recognizes that adult adoptees may want to add legal parents without removing the biological ones. This is different from child adoption, where termination of parental rights is usually required.

Start the Process with a Trusted Texas Adoption Attorney

At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we understand how personal—and sometimes emotional—adult adoption can be. Whether you’re taking steps to make your family whole, resolve inheritance questions, or create long-overdue legal ties, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

From the first consultation to your final hearing, our team will walk you through the process with clarity, compassion, and confidence. We’ll ensure your petition is legally sound and that your adoption moves forward