CHAPTER 2. Procedure for Adult Adoption [9320. - 9328.]

Cal. Family Code - FAM 2.

in effect

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 9320. Section 9320.

(a) An adult may adopt another adult who is younger, except the spouse of the prospective adoptive parent, by an adoption agreement approved by the court, as provided in this chapter. (b) The adoption agreement shall be in writing, executed by the prospective adoptive parent and the proposed adoptee, and shall state that the parties agree to assume toward each other the legal relationship of parent and child and to have all of the rights and be subject to all of the duties and responsibilities of that relationship.

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 9321. Section 9321.

(a) The prospective adoptive parent and the proposed adoptee may file in the county in which either person resides a petition for approval of the adoption agreement. (b) The petition for approval of the adoption agreement shall state all of the following: (1) The length and nature of the relationship between the prospective adoptive parent and the proposed adoptee. (2) The degree of kinship, if any. (3) The reason the adoption is sought. (4) A statement as to why the adoption would be in the best interest of the prospective adoptive parent, the proposed adoptee, and the public. (5) The names and addresses of any living birth parents or adult children of the proposed adoptee. (6) Whether the prospective adoptive parent or the prospective adoptive parent’s spouse has previously adopted any other adult and, if so, the name of the adult, together with the date and place of the adoption.

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 9321.5. Section 9321.5.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 9321, a person who is a resident of this state may file a petition for adult adoption with the court in any of the following: (1) The county in which the prospective adoptive parent resides. (2) The county in which the proposed adoptee was born or resides at the time the petition was filed. (3) The county in which an office of the public or private agency that placed the proposed adoptee for foster care or adoption as a minor or dependent child is located. (b) A petitioner who is not a resident of this state may file a petition for adult adoption with the court in a county specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a).

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 9322. Section 9322.

When the petition for approval of the adoption agreement is filed, the court clerk shall set the matter for hearing.

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 9323. Section 9323.

The court may require notice of the time and place of the hearing to be served on any other interested person and any interested person may appear and object to the proposed adoption.

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 9324. Section 9324.

Both the prospective adoptive parent and the proposed adoptee shall appear at the hearing in person, unless the court allows otherwise pursuant to Section 8613.5.

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 9325. Section 9325.

No investigation or report to the court by any public officer or agency is required, but the court may require the county probation officer or the department to investigate the circumstances of the proposed adoption and report thereon, with recommendations, to the court before the hearing.

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 9326. Section 9326.

The prospective adoptive parent shall mail or personally serve notice of the hearing and a copy of the petition to the director of the regional center for the developmentally disabled, established pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 4620) of Division 4.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and to any living birth parents or adult children of the proposed adoptee, at least 30 days before the day of the hearing on an adoption petition in any case in which both of the following conditions exist: (a) The proposed adoptee is an adult with developmental disabilities. (b) The prospective adoptive parent is a provider of board and care, treatment, habilitation, or other services to persons with developmental disabilities or is a spouse or employee of a provider.

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 9327. Section 9327.

If the prospective adoptive parent is a provider of board and care, treatment, habilitation, or other services to persons with developmental disabilities, or is a spouse or employee of a provider, and seeks to adopt an unrelated adult with developmental disabilities, the regional center for the developmentally disabled notified pursuant to Section 9326 shall file a written report with the court regarding the suitability of the proposed adoption in meeting the needs of the proposed adoptee and regarding any known previous adoption by the prospective adoptive parent.

Cal. Family Code - FAM § 9328. Section 9328.

(a) At the hearing the court shall examine the parties, or the counsel of any party not present in person. (b) If the court is satisfied that the adoption will be in the best interests of the persons seeking the adoption and in the public interest and that there is no reason why the petition should not be granted, the court shall approve the adoption agreement and make an order of adoption declaring that the person adopted is the child of the adoptive parent. Otherwise, the court shall withhold approval of the agreement and deny the petition. (c) In determining whether or not the adoption of any person pursuant to this part is in the best interests of the persons seeking the adoption or the public interest, the court may consider evidence, oral or written, whether or not it is in conformity with the Evidence Code.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026