AboutPeter C. Winkler, CSW Expertise I have experience with adoption subsidy, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and variety of other adoption related matters. I hope that I can be helpful to those who are considering adoption or would like to adopt a child.
Experience I am a social worker with an MSW and I have over thirty years of experience in family and children's services. I have worked as Director of adoption services and of the Interstate Compact in a large state agency. I have also provided direct services to children and families in a preventive services program. I currently prepare adoption studies for those who are adopting domestically or internationally.
Question Peter - My wife and I took in my niece in 2000 when she was 11. We filed and were granted sole legal and sole physical custody of her in 2002. We have always talked about adopting her, however, cost was always an issue. We are all now ready for it, but she is now 18. She wants to change her last name to ours as well. Is there a process for adopting an 18 year old? We live in Minnesota - not sure if the laws differ from state to state.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Michael
Answer Hi Michael-
Yes, the laws differ from state to state. It may be possible to adopt a young person who is 18 in your state. However, at this stage in the game, perhaps helping her change her name is a good symbolic alternative which will be less expensive.
The best thing to do is to contact a local lawyer who does adoptions. You can get names from your Bar Association, the Yellow Pages or the clerk of the local court that does adoptions. It won't cost much to meet with a lawyer to see what your options are and what the cost would be. I think you should bring your niece to the meeting since she should know what is going on. Just arranging such a meeting will confirm that you look upon her as your daughter.
