Adopting A Grandparent: How This Unusual Legal Process Works And Its Benefits
Some children simply do not have grandparents. Either their natural grandparents died before the children were born, or they are adopted into families where the oldest relatives are not the parents of their adoptive parents. Whatever the reason, the parents or guardians are then compelled to "adopt" grandparents into the family. It may seem like a strange practice, but it is actually one that benefits everyone involved. If you and your children have grown close to an elderly person, and that elderly person agrees to being legally adopted, then you can consult with an elder law attorney to formalize a grandparent adoption. Here is how that works, and the benefits for everyone involved.
Paperwork Is Filed
An adoption of an elderly person is essentially a statement that you are willing to become that person's personal and financial guardian. You will look after the elderly person just as you would if he or she was actually a parent of yours. Then you file guardianship paperwork with the courts.
At a hearing, your lawyer argues why this motion is requested, and why you would make the best personal guardian for the elderly person. The elderly person cannot have adult children that would contest this motion; if that elderly person does have adult children that have not been disowned, then the grandparent adoption may not go through/be granted. However, if the elderly person has no living family to look after him/her, then the judge may see fit to grant the grandparent adoption/personal guardianship.
Benefits for Those Involved
It is a known fact that elderly people who have others looking after them remain healthier and live longer than those that have no family looking after them. The elderly person you want to adopt as a grandparent to your children will have a better quality of life with you looking out and looking after him/her. Your children get the benefit of a grandparent out of a relationship with someone they already know well and love.
You get the opportunity of forming a lasting friendship and bond with an elder. He/she may provide you with some valuable advice and assistance when you need it most but least expect it. Quality of life for you, your children, and the adopted grandparent is increased immensely, so long as you uphold your legal word to care for this person as though he/she were a parent, and not just a family friend.