Some of what we focus on

Pennsylvania Adult Adoptions

Philadelphia Adoption Attorney

Are you concerned about protecting your property rights, even though you have no children or heirs of your own? Would you like to formalize a parent-child relationship with a former stepchild or foster child? Do you wish you had legally adopted the children of your spouse, but fear that you can't, now that they are legal adults?

At the offices of Erik B. Jensen P.C., a Professional Corporation, we have provided a broad range of family law services to men and women in Pennsylvania and New Jersey since 1984. We employ an interdisciplinary approach, examining your legal issues from a number of different perspectives, so that we can identify any potential roadblocks and help you take the right steps to accomplish your objectives. When necessary, we will work with other lawyers or law firms to identify and implement solutions that meet your specific needs. We offer creative and innovative legal thinking in a results-oriented manner.

We offer a free initial consultation to all clients. Contact our office or call us at 215-798-0544 (toll-free at 1-866-550-4686) to set up an appointment.

Helping You with an Adult Adoption

Unbeknownst to most people, adoption proceedings are not restricted to the placement of minor children. There are situations where adult adoptions can serve a meaningful purpose, including the protection of property rights or the care of an elderly or incapacitated adult. In fact, adult adoptions were fairly common in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, serving to solidify and maintain a family name or dynasty.

In today's world, adult adoptions are generally pursued for one of three reasons:

to facilitate the transfer of property at death. Though property can be distributed by will, trust or other legal means, an adult adoption will also make the adopted person the legal heir of the parent.
to legalize an informal parent-child relationship. If you lived with and functioned as the parent to your spouse's children, you can still adopt them after they have become adults. This may be done primarily for personal reasons or to facilitate the transfer of property or convey rights on the child.
to ensure that a person receives long-term care. You may choose to adopt an adult who has diminished mental or physical capacity, so that you can ensure that they will receive the care they need throughout their lifetime.

The adoption of an adult has the same legal effect and ramifications as a child adoption. A new birth certificate will be issued, showing the adoptive parent as the birth parent. The adopted person may change his or her last name to that of the adopting parent.

When you hire us to assist you with an adult adoption, we will prepare all the necessary documentation to complete the process, and will act as your advocate in all hearings or proceedings to complete the adoption. If you are considering an adult adoption primarily as a means of legally changing your name, we can help you accomplish that goal more easily with a simple name change request.

Contact Our Offices

To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us or call us at 215-798-0544 (toll-free at 1-866-550-4686). Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We accept all major credit cards and will set up a payment plan, if necessary.

Se Habla Espanol — Nous Parlons Francais

We serve the Philadelphia, PA area, including Drexel Hill, Chester, Springfield, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Chester County, Philadelphia County, and surrounding areas, as well as Bellmawr, Camden, Cherry Hill, Camden County, Salem County, Gloucester County, Burlington County, and surrounding areas throughout southern New Jersey.