Legal Definitions - adoption by estoppel

Adoption by estoppel is a legal concept that refers to the creation of a parent-child relationship between two parties who are not related by blood or adoption. This relationship is established by a promise or action made by the person who is not the biological or adoptive parent, which precludes them from denying the adopted status of the child.

For example, if a man promises to take care of a child and acts as if he is the child's father, he may be considered to have adopted the child by estoppel. Even if the man is not the child's biological or adoptive father, he may be held responsible for the child's welfare and support.

Another example is when a grandparent takes care of a child and acts as if they are the child's parent. If the grandparent later tries to deny the adopted status of the child, they may be estopped from doing so because of their actions and promises.

These examples illustrate how adoption by estoppel can create a legal parent-child relationship even when there is no biological or adoptive connection between the parties involved.