West Virginia State Law on Adult Adoption

State Law on Adult Adoption

West Virginia

Summary: Any adult may be adopted by an adult who resides in West Virginia, with only the consent
of the person to be adopted required.

Most Relevant West Virginia Statute:
§48-22-801

48-22-801. Adoption of adults.

Any adult person who is a resident of West Virginia may petition the circuit court or any other court of record having jurisdiction of adoption proceedings for permission to adopt one who has reached the age of eighteen years or over, and, if desired, to change the name of such person. The consent of the person to be adopted shall be the only consent necessary. The order of adoption shall create the same relationship between the adopting parent or parents and the person adopted and the same rights of inheritance as in the case of an adopted minor child. If a change in name is desired, the adoption order shall so state.