FAQs Archive - Page 3 of 5 - Myers Strickland Arizona Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorney

Q: 3. Why would I want to adopt an adult?

There are many reasons why somebody would want to adopt an adult, but the main reason is to legalize the loving parent-child relationship that has existed in a family. For example: An aunt raised her nephew all his life. A stepparent who has been in his/her step-children’s lives for decades, but never got around to formally adopting the children. A same-sex person whose marriage is now recognized by the state can adopt their spouse’s child, even if that child is now an adult. A rekindled relationship between birth mother and her child, after she placed them for adoption as an infant. Other reasons may include legally recognizing a person as a child for military benefits, retirement benefits, and for estate planning purposes.

Q: 2. Who can be adopted in an adult adoption?

Any person between the ages of 18 years and 21 years. Any person who is the stepchild, niece, nephew, cousin, or grandchild of the adopting person, regardless of age. Any person who is the foster child of the adopting person, placed with the adopting person as a minor, and who has maintained a familial relationship with the adopting person for a period of five or more years, regardless of age.

Q: 3. What happens to Safe Haven Babies?

The babies are transferred to the care of an Arizona licensed adoption agency that places the baby for adoption with one of its waiting families. The babies do NOT go into state custody or the foster care system.

Q: 2. What is Arizona’s Safe Haven Baby Law?

A woman, or her agent, can relinquish her unharmed infant, less than 30 days old, at a Safe Haven location and that person will not face criminal charges. She must hand her baby to a person or, if available at certain hospitals only, she may place her baby in a Safe Haven drawer. She must tell the worker that this is a safe haven baby. No questions about her identity will be asked. Safe Haven locations are: any Hospital any Ambulance any on-duty Fire Station any Designated Church (must have signage posted) any Designated Adoption Agency (must have signage posted) Arizona Safe Baby Haven Foundation has a crisis hotline at 866.707.2229 or www.azsafebabyhaven.org .

Q: 1. What are Safe Haven Baby Laws?

Safe Haven Baby Laws are laws that allow a woman to relinquish her unharmed baby to a safe place without repercussions to her. The laws were passed in the hopes of curtailing infant abandonment and infanticide. Safe Haven Baby Laws have been enacted in many states.