Adult adoption

An adult, including a step parent or former foster parent, may wish to adopt another adult.

Overview

There are a number of cases in which you may want to adopt an adult when all parties wish to formalize the relationship, including:

  • parents who have raised a child as foster parents, but were never able to adopt the child
  • step parents who were unable to adopt a child with whom they have formed a close relationship
  • adult adoptees who have been reconnected with their birth family

The Adult Adoption kit was designed with detailed instructions so that applicants may complete an application without the assistance of a lawyer. However, Records, Registry and Connections does not provide legal advice.

Eligibility

The petitioner must be a resident of Alberta.

The adoptee must be:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • a Canadian citizen or lawfully admitted to Canada

Once an adoptee is 18 years of age or older, no other consent is needed, other than their own.

Cost

Use the Self-Help Kit for Adult Adoptions to complete an application.

$250 to submit the application to the Court of King's Bench.

How to apply

Step 1. Complete the application package

Use the Self-Help Kit for Adult Adoptions to complete an application.

Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers.

If you are having problems opening the form, contact PDF form technical support.

The kit is also available through the King’s Printer, or you could call our office to have one e-mailed to you free of charge.

Step 2. Deliver the completed package

Take the completed package, documentation and application fee of $250 to the office of the Clerk of the Court of King’s Bench in the judicial centre chosen on your application. The list of locations is in the Self-Help Kit for Adult Adoptions.

Records, Registry and Connections does not accept Adult Adoption applications as these must be submitted to the Court of King’s Bench directly.

Contact

Connect with Records, Registry and Connections or court clerk if you have questions about the application package:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-6387
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]