Please can you tell me if you can be adopted at 23 years old

I would doubt it, you are of legal age.

Why would you need to be adopted so late in life?

No because you are of legal age. But if you explain the circumstances we may be able to suggest something else.

Its because my friends dad has been in my life for some time and we were talking about it and I want him to be my dad as I don't have 1 and he feels the same.

Being a dad is more than a piece of paper. He can't legally adopt you, but you can "adopt" him. Give him a gift on father's day. Treat him as you would a father. That should be enough.

I can understand why a legal adoption would mean so much to you, but ScottGem is right, just start a process of always behaving as if he is your father, that is the best you will be able to do and it will mean so much to the both of you.

You know how they have Marriages which are legal with a marriage certificate? Well they also have common law marriages where people do all the things married people do, but they don't have a marriage certificate.

Think of him as your common law Dad. Your Dad in all aspects except for the piece of paper.

To take that one step further, why is it important for you to have the legal system recognize him as your father? It only really matters between you and him, if you want to call yourself adopted by him to your friends, go for it. If you want to consider yourself his adopted son, you certainly can.

The reason for adoption of someone younger is because they are not an adult and they need an adult to handle their affairs. You are an adult capable and legally required to handle your own affairs, hence unless you are in some way legally, mentally or physically incompetent to handle your own affairs there is no chance that another adult can make those decisions for you; nor should you give that power to another adult, ever.

:)thanks just what I wanted to hear xxxxxxxxxxx

I want you to check out this thread, maybe our advice was incorrect.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/adopti...er-303490.html

I still think adoption is not the route, but I should have also suggested legally changing the last name.

People do adopt adults. I know in the US it's not uncommon for an adult to be adopted. It usually works best when you already know of a family or a person that wants to adopt an adult. This way you get consent from both parties and it's just a matter of a trip to the courthouse and some simple yet very important paperwork.

Yes, you can be adopted... my ex SIL was adopted by her psychologist when she was in her late 20's... long story.