Legal Eagle Q & A: Is adult adoption available in the UK?

September 9, 2018 by Joanna

Question:  I am 23 years old and have always been brought up by my aunt and uncle rather than my parents who have both since died.  As my aunt and uncle are getting older I have thought that I would like for them to adopt me – they want this too as it seems easier for me to formally be their next of kin. How do I go about it?

Answer:  Adult adoption is not an available option in the UK.  Your situation does in fact raise many issues; you would not, for example, immediately inherit on the death of your aunt and uncle if they died without a will, and you would not automatically be consulted if they were very unwell.  Most of these eventualities can be covered by other legal formalities, such as the making of a will or of a Power of Attorney but your family should check the specifics as they apply to you.