Many people consider adult adoption in California to strengthen family bonds, formalize chosen family, or create legal stability. But one of the most common questions I receive as a California adoption attorney is this:
“If I adopt an adult, will they automatically inherit from me?”
The short answer: Yes—adult adoption creates full parent-child inheritance rights in California.
But as always, the law has some important details you should understand. Let’s break it down.
How Adult Adoption Affects Inheritance in California
When an adult adoption is finalized, the adoptee becomes the legal child of the adoptive parent for all purposes under California law, including:
- Probate
- Intestate succession
- Inheritance disputes
- Standing in court
- Eligibility under certain trusts
In other words, legally, the adoptee is now treated the same as a biological child.
If you pass away without a will, your adopted adult child inherits just like any other child would.
But What About the Biological Parents?
Here’s where California law gets specific:
✔️ Inheritance from biological parents DOES continue unless a will says otherwise.
Adult adoption does not automatically sever inheritance rights from the biological family.
This is different from minor adoption, where rights are normally transferred completely.
Adult adoption adds inheritance rights — it doesn’t necessarily take others away.
Using Adult Adoption for Estate Planning
Adult adoption can be a powerful estate-planning tool in situations like:
Blended families
Estranged biological parents
LGBTQ+ families
Long-term caregiving or chosen family relationships
Stepchild–stepparent bonds
Long-term family friends who function as parent/child
For many clients, it provides clarity in situations where they want someone to have:
Automatic inheritance rights
Legal standing if the estate is contested
Next-of-kin status
Clear authority for end-of-life decisions
Limitations You Should Know
Adult adoption is strong — but not magic. Here are the cautions:
❌ It does not override existing trust documents.
If a trust specifically excludes adopted adults, the adoption won’t change that.
❌ It may complicate inheritance disputes if not paired with a will.
Pairing your adoption with an updated estate plan is the best practice.
❌ It cannot be used to avoid creditors or manipulate certain government benefits.
Courts can reverse adoptions done solely for fraud or financial evasion.
Should You Use Adult Adoption for Inheritance Planning?
For many families, yes.
It creates legal certainty and honors the emotional reality of the relationship.
But it should be done with both the adoption and the estate plan in mind.
Ready to legally become family?
Book your adult adoption consultation today and take the first step toward making it official
- Flat-Fee Guarantee
- Fast Filing
- LGBTQ+ Friendly
- 15+ Years Experience