Los Angeles Adult Adoption Attorney

Adult Adoption in California — Fast, Compassionate, Flat-Fee Legal Help.

Flat-fee representation • One filing • One hearing • No home study required.

Simple 4-Step Process

Clear, straightforward path to making your family legal

Are you ready to start?

Whether you’ve built a chosen family or are formalizing a lifelong bond, adult adoption is a powerful step — and I simplify the process from start to finish.

California Adult Adoption Attorney | 15+ Years of Experience

Trusted resource for Adult Adoption cases throughout California.
Specializing in simplified, flat-fee Adult Adoptions.
Known for efficient filings, private handling, and compassionate guidance.
Supporting all families, including LGBTQ+ and blended families.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about adult adoption in California

Do we need consent from biological parents?

No. In California, an adult adoption generally does not require consent from the adoptee’s biological parents. Because the person being adopted is at least 18 years old, the consent of the adult adoptee and the adopting parent is generally what matters.

Our office can help you understand the requirements and guide you through the California adult adoption process.

▶ Watch our short video explaining biological parent consent in adult adoptions.

Do I need to notify biological parents?

Generally, no. In California, biological parents do not need to be notified of an adult adoption simply because they are the adoptee’s biological parents.

Adult adoption is different from adopting a minor. Because the adoptee is legally an adult, biological parents generally do not have the same notice or consent rights that may apply in a minor adoption.

However, California law may require notice to other individuals, including a spouse or registered domestic partner, depending on the circumstances.

Our office can help you determine which notice requirements apply to your adult adoption.

▶ Watch Attorney Liverpool explain biological parent notification in adult adoptions.

Do the adoptive parent and adoptee need to live together?

No. In California, the adoptive parent and adult adoptee are not required to live together to complete an adult adoption.

Unlike certain adoptions involving minors, adult adoption generally does not require a period of shared residency. The adoptive parent and adult adoptee may maintain separate households.

Whether you live together or separately, our office can guide you through the California adult adoption process and help you understand the legal requirements.

▶ Watch Attorney Liverpool explain residency requirements for adult adoption in California.

Do we need a home study?

No. In California, a home study is generally not required for an adult adoption.

Unlike adoptions involving minor children, adult adoptions typically do not require home inspections, background investigations, or evaluations of the adoptive parent’s living environment.

The adult adoption process is generally more straightforward because both the adopting parent and adult adoptee can legally consent to the adoption.

Our office can help you prepare the necessary documents and navigate the California adult adoption process.

▶ Watch Attorney Liverpool explain home study requirements for adult adoption in California.

Can LGBTQ+ families adopt adults?

Yes! California law allows LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to pursue adult adoption, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Adult adoption can be a meaningful way to legally recognize an existing parent-child relationship, including relationships within LGBTQ+ and chosen families.

Once finalized, an adult adoption establishes a legal parent-child relationship that may provide important rights involving inheritance, family recognition, and other legal matters.

California adult adoption generally requires the consent of the adopting parent and adult adoptee, along with compliance with applicable legal requirements.

At the Law Offices of Chirnese L. Liverpool, we proudly help individuals and families navigate the adult adoption process with respect, compassion, and personalized legal guidance.

▶ Watch Attorney Liverpool explain LGBTQ+ adult adoption in California.

What documents do we need?

The documents required for an adult adoption in California generally include an adoption petition, a written adoption agreement, and any additional forms required by the court.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need identification, marriage or domestic partnership information, and other supporting documents.

At the Law Office of Chirnese L. Liverpool, we prepare the necessary legal paperwork, guide you through the filing process, and help you understand what to expect at your adoption hearing.

▶ Watch Attorney Liverpool explain the documents needed for adult adoption in California.

How long does the process take?

The timeline for an adult adoption in California varies depending on the county, court scheduling, and the circumstances of your case.

Some adult adoptions may be completed within a few months, while others may take longer due to court availability, paperwork requirements, or other factors.

Because adult adoptions generally do not require a home study or investigation, the process is often simpler than adopting a minor.

At the Law Office of Chirnese L. Liverpool, we handle the legal paperwork and guide you through each step to help make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

▶ Watch Attorney Liverpool explain how long adult adoption takes in California.

Does the adoptee have to live in California?

Not necessarily. An adult adoptee may live outside California and still be eligible for adoption through a California court.

However, California residency and court jurisdiction requirements must be satisfied. Where the adopting parent and adult adoptee reside can affect where the petition should be filed and how the case proceeds.

At the Law Office of Chirnese L. Liverpool, we can review your circumstances and help determine whether filing an adult adoption petition in California is appropriate.

▶ Watch Attorney Liverpool explain California residency requirements for adult adoption.

What are your fees?

Our California adult adoption services are offered at an all-inclusive flat fee of $1,980.

This fee includes case review, preparation and filing of the adoption petition, legal guidance and representation, your adoption hearing appearance, and processing of the final adoption decree.

With flat-fee pricing, you’ll know the cost of our legal services upfront, without unexpected hourly attorney fees.

▶ Watch Attorney Liverpool explain the cost of adult adoption in California.

Is the hearing in person or remote?

Adult adoption hearings in California may be conducted in person or remotely, depending on the county, assigned judge, and court procedures.

Some courts allow participants to appear by video, while others may require an in-person appearance. Remote attendance is not guaranteed and may require advance approval.

At the Law Office of Chirnese L. Liverpool, we will explain your court’s appearance requirements, help you prepare for the hearing, and provide legal representation throughout the process.

▶ Watch Attorney Liverpool explain what to expect at your California adult adoption hearing.

Transparent Pricing

No hourly billing • No surprise fees • Flat-fee guarantee

$1,980

All-Inclusive Flat Fee

Real Families. Real Stories.

Hear from families who’ve successfully completed their adult adoptions

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Natalie Collier 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently had the pleasure of working with Ms. Liverpool on an adoption case, and I cannot speak highly enough of her services. Throughout the process, she demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise. Ms. Liverpool was not only timely with her responses and actions but also ensured that we were well-informed at each step. Her approachable and amiable demeanor made her a joy to work with, turning what could have been a daunting experience into a truly positive journey. Thanks to her dedication and skill, our adoption was successful. I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Liverpool to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
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   Emily Rose 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Not gonna lie this is one of those things where it’s to good to be true: I was hoping I wouldn’t get scammed because she gave me the price upfront and gave me all the information I needed and answered all my questions. I never spoke to a third party person or secretary it was always the Chirnese herself messaging me through email or answering my questions through phone . She got back to me in a timely matter, eased any of my worries, is extremely affordable ironically for a bankruptcy case. And best part was that everything was handled online over the phone even my court hearing was through zoom. Still I thought this was a scam since everything was done through email or phone that I even drove up to her office to look at what I was dealing with. Payment was sent through Zelle but from what I recall there were other payment options not just electronically. But because everything was done online it was super convinient. From the moment I called once payment was completed I got my court date about under a week later. She showed up to my court zoom meeting as well. In this time of an extremely stressful process I’m so glad I went with my gut and chose this lawyer to help me through this. She did all of the work for me and left me worry free. If you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy I highly suggest contacting her she offers a free consultation where she answers all your questions  and gives you the price upfront so you get taken care of from that first phone call up til after your court date.
  
 
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   Kent Murray 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chirnese was amazing. My case went much longer than expected, and Chirnese was always on top of it. She was super responsive whenever I had questions and had my back the whole way. Was a real pleasure working with her. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal representation.
  
 
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   Kelsey Krasnigor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ms. Liverpool was lovely to work with! Communicative, kind, and very helpful. I highly recommend working with her as we will be doing so in the future again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kim Wetter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service. Chirnese is prompt and kind and knowledgeable. I wouldn't use anyone else
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elizabeth Chadwick 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with Chirnese was wonderful. She patiently walked me through the name change process, answered all of my questions, and provided me with updates along the way. I would recommend her to my friends in a heartbeat.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mary Hernandez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely the BEST! . I was a little nervous , but her knowledge & experience  answering all my question helped me be ok fast & easy process. Thank you again :)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   LJ 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We completed our step parent adoption with Attorney Liverpool and it was a success. She was a great help every step of the way and was always there to answer any questions. Thankful for her services, I would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Emily Skehan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an incredible experience with Chirnese who led us through adult adoption of our former foster daughter. Chirnese was incredibly responsive, thoughtful, and explained everything clearly and with a great sense of humor and truly excellent pricing through our MetLife legal plan. I was stunned by how quickly her team completed the paperwork and got us a court date, and she was clearly known and valued by the court staff. Couldn’t recommend her services more!
  
 
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   Bryant Gomez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chirnese - She is truly professional, caring and and overall fantastic. For my case, she really spent the time to provide all the resources we needed to complete our process. She supported us with the communication between vendors, the court personnel and even with the other parties management of this case. She checked with us before and after every court date and really cared for our family through our process. She is truly a valued professional in this industry but definitely a valued member in our family. We can not recommend her more for your legal needs.