An adult may adopt another adult. This is usually done for
sentimental reasons. It will affect inheritance rights should the original
parents, the adoptive parents, or the adoptee die without a will.
Performing such an adoption requires that a Petition for
Adoption and Decree of Adoption be filed in Circuit Court. The adoptee must
consent in writing to the adoption. It is not necessary to obtain a consent or
serve notice upon the original parents. This adoption process takes about 2
months.
A change of name may be done as part of the adoption process.
After the Decree of Adoption is signed, the adoptee will receive a new Birth
Certificate from the state where he/she was born. It will show the adoptive
parents as being the legal parents, along with the change of name if desired.