Legal Definitions - posthumous adoption

Posthumous adoption is a type of adoption that occurs after the death of the adoptive parent. It is a legal process that creates a parent-child relationship between the deceased parent and the adopted child.

For example, if a person dies before they can adopt a child, their family members may choose to pursue a posthumous adoption to ensure that the child is legally recognized as their grandchild or niece/nephew.

This type of adoption is only possible if the deceased parent had expressed a desire to adopt the child before their death. It is also important to note that posthumous adoption can only occur if the child is an orphan or has been abandoned, or if the biological parents' parental rights have been terminated by court order.

Overall, posthumous adoption is a way to honor the wishes of a deceased loved one and provide a stable and loving home for a child in need.