How to adopt

Pros - [list][*]Irrevocable.[*]Child can take on your last name, legally.[*]Formalizes existing relationships, bonds.[*]Creates right of inheritance against your estate (if not already established in your will).[/list] Cons - [list][*]Irrevocable.[*]Severs legal ties to child's paternal biological family.[*]Creates right of inheritance against your estate (if not already established in your will).[/list]I'd start by reading the RCW (state law) to see how things work and what's required. Generally, older children must consent to the adoption. I'm not sure whether Washington has do-it-yourself forms or not (I doubt it) but this shouldn't be terribly expensive for an attorney to accomplish. RCW 26.33.260Decree of adoption -- Effect -- Accelerated appeal -- Limited grounds to challenge -- Intent. (1) The entry of a decree of adoption divests any parent or alleged father who is not married to the adoptive parent or who has not joined in the petition for adoption of all legal rights and obligations in respect to the adoptee, except past-due child support obligations. The adoptee shall be free from all legal obligations of obedience and maintenance in respect to the parent. The adoptee shall be, to all intents and purposes, and for all legal incidents, the child, legal heir, and lawful issue of the adoptive parent, entitled to all rights and privileges, including the right of inheritance and the right to take under testamentary disposition, and subject to all the obligations of a natural child of the adoptive parent. Here's the link to the rest of the statute (including who must consent, forms etc.)[url="http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?fuseaction=chapterdigest&chapter=26.33"]http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?fuseaction=chapterdigest&chapter=26.33[/url] Good luck!!