When most people think of adoption, they imagine infants or children joining new families. However, Texas law also allows adult adoptions, which are more common than many realize. Adult adoption is often used to formalize an existing parent-child relationship, establish inheritance rights, or provide emotional closure.
If you’re considering it, you might be wondering: How long does adult adoption take in Texas?
The good news is that adult adoptions are typically much faster and simpler than child adoptions. Here’s what you can expect.
WHAT IS AN ADULT ADOPTION?
An adult adoption is when one adult legally adopts another adult (age 18 or older). Once finalized, the adopted person becomes the legal child of the adoptive parent—with all the same rights as a biological child, including inheritance and next-of-kin recognition.
Adult adoption in Texas is often pursued for:
- Establishing legal family ties between stepchildren and stepparents.
- Reconnecting biological parents and adult children separated by adoption.
- Inheritance or estate planning purposes.
- Providing emotional and legal security in blended families.
HOW LONG DOES ADULT ADOPTION TAKE?
In Texas, most adult adoptions take 1 to 2 months from filing to finalization.
The process is much quicker than child adoptions because it does not require home studies, background checks, or termination of parental rights.
The timeline depends on:
- How quickly you can file the petition and schedule a court date.
- The court’s availability in your county.
- Whether all documents are completed and properly signed.
If there are no complications, many adult adoptions can be finalized within 30 to 45 days.
STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO ADOPT AN ADULT IN TEXAS
Step 1: File a Petition for Adult Adoption
The adoptive parent must file a Petition to Adopt an Adult in the family court of the county where either the adoptive parent or the adoptee resides.
This petition includes:
- Full legal names of both parties.
- Confirmation that the adoptee is 18 or older.
- The reason for adoption (such as emotional bond, inheritance, or family unification).
Step 2: Obtain Written Consent
Texas law requires the written consent of the adult being adopted. This consent must be filed with the court before the hearing.
No consent is needed from the adoptee’s biological parents.
Step 3: Schedule a Court Hearing
Once the paperwork is complete, the court will set a hearing date. You and the adoptee must attend the hearing.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing and Receive Final Order of Adoption
At the hearing, the judge will:
- Review the petition and consent documents.
- Verify that both parties understand the legal implications.
- Issue a Final Order of Adoption, making the relationship official.
After the judge signs the order, the adoption is legally complete.
COST OF ADULT ADOPTION IN TEXAS
Adult adoptions are typically inexpensive compared to other types of adoption.
Average costs include:
- Court filing fees: $250–$400
- Attorney fees: $500–$2,000 (if legal assistance is used)
Since there’s no need for a home study or background check, the overall process is affordable and straightforward.
BENEFITS OF ADULT ADOPTION
- Establishes legal family status and inheritance rights.
- Allows the adoptee to change their name if desired.
- Provides emotional closure and recognition for long-term relationships.
- Helps with estate planning and next-of-kin documentation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a lawyer for adult adoption?
Not necessarily, but having an attorney ensures the petition and hearing go smoothly and avoids paperwork errors.
Can a married adult be adopted?
Yes, but the adoptee’s spouse must be notified and may need to provide consent.
Can an adult adoption be contested?
Contests are rare, but a court may deny the adoption if it appears to serve fraudulent or financial purposes (such as avoiding taxes).
Timeline for Adult Adoption in Texas: Key Takeaways
So, how long does adult adoption take in Texas? Usually just 1 to 2 months, depending on the court’s schedule and how quickly paperwork is filed. The process is simple, affordable, and deeply meaningful for families wanting to formalize lifelong bonds.
If you’re ready to take the next step, an experienced adoption attorney can help ensure your case moves smoothly through court and is finalized without delays.
Bryan Fagan is a Texas family law attorney with a heart for adoption—inspired not just by his legal career, but by his own family story. Growing up in Atascocita with two adopted brothers, Bryan learned early the profound meaning of chosen family. His passion for justice was sparked by John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief, and he became the first lawyer in his family, balancing night classes at South Texas College of Law while caring for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s.
Today, Bryan brings that same dedication to his practice, guiding families through adoptions, custody disputes, divorces, and complex marital agreements. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, he combines elite legal expertise with genuine empathy—drawing from his roles as a husband, father of three, and advocate for families facing false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is actively involved in the Houston Bar Association’s Family Law Sector and statewide family law organizations. Whether finalizing an adoption or protecting parental rights, he believes the law should reflect the deepest values of home, commitment, and love.