Judge grants adult adoption for Caleb Allen Lee Flatt, approves name change to Curtis

A judge granted an adult adoption petition for Caleb Allen Lee Flatt and approved changing his surname to Curtis, stating the petitioners had completed the required paperwork and that the court would enter an order reflecting today's hearing.

The judge said the petitioners were Joshua Jean Curtis and Jennifer Marie Curtis and that the biological father was listed as deceased in the pleadings. The judge asked the adoptee whether he understood the legal consequences of adoption by an adult, including inheritance rights and the legal relationship the adoption creates, and the adoptee affirmed he did.

The judge explained that because the adopting parent, Joshua Curtis, filed the petition and the adoptee is an adult, the court needed to ensure both parties understood the legal effects. "You are asking me to allow you to adopt an adult individual who is your stepson," the judge said, and later told the parties, "I will grant your adoption." The judge told the petitioners, who represented themselves, to draw an order indicating the matter was heard that day and to submit it to the clerk.

The adoption includes a legal name change: the judge noted the adoptee's new name will be Caleb Allen Lee Flatt Curtis (change to Curtis as the family name). The clerk was instructed to transmit the signed order once it was submitted.

The hearing concluded without further contested issues stated on the record.