Most states give adult adoptions the same effect. As a general rule, only blood relatives inherit. The only exceptions to that rule are legal spouses and adopted children. Second, for the decedent who does not die intestate, but rather makes a will and in it leaves property to the adoptee, adoption gives some protection against a will contest. The explanation for why this is, is slightly complex.
Wills leaving money to a gay lover, for example, are particularly at risk.
In this context, to have standing, a litigant must have a pecuniary interest in seeing the will invalidated. Adult adoption attempts to accomplish this very result. By adopting someone who would automatically go to the front of the line for inheritance purposes in the event of intestacy, a decedent can deprive other angry relatives of standing to contest the will. Although for many individuals adult adoption serves as a useful estate planning tool, there are some pitfalls. From the adopting parent's point of view, one possible pitfall stems from the fact that adoptions are generally irrevocable.