Adult Adoption in Reno

Legal Recognition for an Established Parent-Child Bond

Adult adoption can legally recognize a family bond that has developed over many years. At Eric A. Stovall, Ltd., we guide Reno adults through this process, including stepparents adopting adult stepchildren and relatives formalizing longstanding family relationships.

Eric A. Stovall has practiced law since 1987 and is a Past President of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys. Our firm has assisted with more than 2,000 successful adoptions and surrogacies, bringing substantial family-formation experience to each matter.

Discuss adult adoption in Reno during a complimentary consultation. Call (775) 227-7221 to speak with us about your family’s circumstances.

Nevada Adult Adoption Eligibility & Consent

Nevada defines an adult as someone who’s at least 18 years old. Under NRS 127C.700, an adult generally may adopt another adult who’s at least 10 years younger, except when the person being adopted is the adopter’s spouse.

Both adults must expressly consent. They enter into an adoption agreement that must receive approval through a court order, making consent and eligibility central to our initial review.

Important eligibility considerations include:

• Age of the adoptee: The person being adopted must be an adult under Nevada law.
• Age difference: The adoptee generally must be at least 10 years younger than the adopter.
• Express consent: Both parties must agree to establish the legal family relationship.
• Spousal agreement: Under NRS 127C.710, an adopter’s spouse must agree when the adopter is married, isn’t lawfully separated, and the spouse is capable of providing agreement.

We evaluate whether an exception may apply rather than assuming that an age difference prevents the adoption.

The Adult Adoption Process in Reno

We begin by reviewing the parties’ relationship, ages, residence, marital status, and consent. This review helps identify eligibility questions and the documents needed to prepare the adoption agreement.

The written agreement records the parties’ decision to create a legal parent-child relationship. We prepare it according to Nevada adoption statutes and address consent questions arising from the adopter’s circumstances, including any required spousal agreement.

Requesting District Court Approval

NRS 127C.700 provides for submitting the agreement to a district court for approval. The proceeding may be brought in the county where either the adopter or the adult adoptee resides.

Filing procedures and additional court requirements depend on current Nevada law and the facts of the individual matter. We assess questions about hearings, notices, background checks, and other potential procedures rather than treating them as one-size-fits-all requirements.

Discuss Your Adult Adoption with Our Firm

Prospective clients can request a complimentary consultation to discuss the proposed adoption, consent, family circumstances, and likely legal steps. We use flat fees for noncontested adoption matters and return any unused portion. Contested matters are billed hourly.

Clients are responsible for applicable additional expenses, including court fees, copies, travel, depositions, and expert witness fees. After learning whether the adoption is expected to be contested, we can explain the relevant fee structure.

Call (775) 227-7221 to arrange a complimentary consultation with Eric A. Stovall, Ltd. and receive guidance tailored to your adult adoption.