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.
Expert: Peter C. Winkler, CSW Date: 7/26/2007 Subject: adopting a deseased friend's children
Question Hi, I am working on a research and i would like to know if it was possible to adopt the children of a deceased friend in the USA even if one of them were eighteen years old.
Answer I can't answer your question definitely since the adoption laws from state to state is not uniform. My educated guess is that one would be allowed to adopt an 18 year old in most states. Usually, children over a certain age have to agree to the adoption. I would suggest that you find a lawyer who belongs to the Academy of Adoption Attorneys in the state where you want to adopt and work with him or her since they should be more experienced than most of the other practicing attorneys. The Academy has a website.
