The state of New Jersey has types of adoption for all of the different families and circumstances. While the adoption process can be joyous, it can also be stressful. Contact our skilled New Jersey family law attorneys at Greenberg & Walden, LLC to learn more about the adoption process and what your family’s options are.

What different types of adoption are available to my family and me in New Jersey?

There are various options for adoption in the state of New Jersey that can be chosen according to your family’s situation. Your adoption choices in New Jersey include:

  • Domestic adoption: This is when a United States resident, chooses to adopt a child who was born in the United States. Open domestic adoptions are becoming increasingly popular. Open domestic adoption is when your adoptive child’s birth parents consent to the adoption and have ongoing contact with the child. Typically, this process will involve an adoption agency.
  • International adoption: Adopting a child from another country is known as international adoption. This type of adoption is much more intricate and demands a lot of travel to and from the child’s home country, so it is important you understand all it entails before proceeding.
  • LGBT adoption: In New Jersey, LGBT couples are legally allowed to adopt a child.
  • Second-parent adoption: A same-sex parent may adopt his or her biological or adoptive child without terminating the first parent’s legal status as a parent.
  • Private adoption: A private adoption is when you are either adopting a child through his or her biological parent, or you are adopting a child you already know. You can usually avoid adoption agencies by taking this route.
  • Step-parent adoption: This form of adoption requires either the consent of the non-custodial parent or the termination of his or her biological parental rights. Usually, the only grounds for this is evidence of abuse or neglect.
  • Adult adoption: This is when two or more adults wish to transfer inheritance rights and/or filiation.

What does the adoption process entail?

Adoption can be a very intensive, document-heavy process because the courts need to ensure that you are right for the child. Because of this, it is important to have a skilled family law attorney on your side to walk you through this process. The start of the process requires a 27-hour training period known as “Home Study.” In addition to the training, you will be required to submit various personal documents including financial standing, employment, schooling, medical references, and more.

Once your application is submitted, and you receive approval from the state, you will meet and match with a child, have all of the involved parties consent to the adoption, and finalize the adoption in court. You will also be subjected to home visits after the adoption to ensure that your child is in a positive, healthy, and safe environment.

Contact our Firm

We understand how emotional and difficult matters of family law can be. If you need the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney to help protect your right to your family, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced firm. We are eager and dedicated to helping you through this difficult time. Our personal injury specialists at Greenberg & Walden, LLC are standing by for a free initial consultation. Call us at 201-528-6928

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