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How Do I Complete the California Department of Health Form VS-44 Court Report of Adoption in an Adult Adoption Case?

Posted by John J. Pearson, Esq. | Apr 07, 2026 | 0 Comments

Currently, every California Adult Adoption court requires the California Department of Health Form VS-44, also known as the Court Report of Adoption Form to be completed as part of the case. California Department of Health Form VS-44, also known as the Court Report of Adoption Form is completed by typing (or hand printing in black ink only) the information required in each of the applicable information boxes on the form.  It is generally a best practice to take the information directly from the Adoptee’s original state issued birth certificate and complete the information as requested in the boxes on the California Department of Health Form VS-44, also known as the Court Report of Adoption Form.

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Which Branch or Division of California Superior Court do I file my Adult Adoption Case in? Is the Adult Adoption case filed in: civil law division, family law division, probate law division, or juvenile law division?

Posted by John J. Pearson, Esq. | Mar 28, 2026 | 0 Comments

Which Branch or Division of California Superior Court do I file my Adult Adoption Case in? Is the Adult Adoption case filed in: civil law division, family law division, probate law division, or juvenile law division?  That is not an easy question to answer and requires a little bit of investigation.

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Does a California Adult Adoption lead to USA Citizenship or USA “green card” status for foreign citizens?

Posted by John J. Pearson, Esq. | Mar 26, 2026 | 0 Comments

In a California Adult Adoption case the Adopting Parent(s) and the Adult Adoptee are by definition at least 18 years old. However, under current USA immigration law, adoption only gives citizenship to foreign born minors adopted while they still under the age of 16 years old. Therefore, a California Adult Adoption does not lead to USA Citizenship or USA “green card” status for foreign born citizens.

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Can I adopt an adult with developmental disabilities in California?

Posted by John J. Pearson, Esq. | Mar 25, 2026 | 0 Comments

Adopting Parent(s) may adopt a developmentally disabled Adult Adoptee in California following the regular procedure to adopt an adult that does not have developmental disabilities.  However, two additional procedural steps must be taken in this type of Adult Adoption case: Notice to the Regional Center and filing a Proof of Service on the Regional Center with the adoption court.

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Is a home study or investigation required for a California Adult Adoption Case?

Posted by John J. Pearson, Esq. | Mar 25, 2026 | 0 Comments

A home study or investigation is not required for a California Adult Adoption Case. The Judge has the discretion to require a home study or investigation into the suitability of the Adopting Parent(s) and the appropriateness of the adoption, but this simply never happens in California Adult cases. Therefore, it is safe to say that a home study or investigation is not required for a California Adult Adoption Case.

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I Have Two Last Names, Which Name Do I Use in My California Adult Adoption Case?

Posted by John J. Pearson, Esq. | Mar 24, 2026 | 0 Comments

I Have Two Last Names, Which Name Do I Use in My California Adult Adoption Case? For both the Adopting Parent(s) and the Adult Adoptee, when preparing the California Adult Adoption Petition, California Adult Adoption Agreement and the California Order of Adult Adoption (all the court paperwork) for your Adult Adoption case in California Superior Court always use your name as it shows on your birth certificate.  California Adult Adoptions establish a permanent and legal family relationship that traces back to the Adopting Parent(s) birth record and the Adult Adoptee’s birth record.

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I am Married, What Name Do I Use In My California Adult Adoption Case, my married name or the name on my birth certificate?

Posted by John J. Pearson, Esq. | Mar 24, 2026 | 0 Comments

For both the Adopting Parent(s) and the Adult Adoptee, when preparing the legal paperwork for your Adult Adoption case in California Superior Court always use your name as it shows on your birth certificate. California Adult Adoptions establish a permanent and legal family relationship that traces back to the Adopting Parent(s) birth record and the Adult Adoptee’s birth record.

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