Adopting a child is one of the noblest actions a parent or parents can take. By adopting a child, you are giving him or her the parental figure he or she has always wanted. Adopting a child is a big responsibility, but if you think you are ready, you will be doing a child a world of good. However, it is important you should know that adoption is a rather complicated process, and as a parent, or parent-to-be, it is important you know what lies ahead. There are several different types of adoption, most of which entail at least a slightly different process. If you are considering adopting a child, here is a list of the different types of adoption explained:
- Domestic adoption: Domestic adoption is basically the placement of U.S.-born infants for adoption by their legally-consenting birth parents.
- International adoption: This process is the adoption of a child who was born in another country, and is sometimes more involved than the domestic adoption process.
- Private adoption: If you are adopting a child you already know, or are adopting through the child’s biological parent, you will generally go through the private adoption process.
- LGBT adoption: Members of the LGBT community that wish to adopt a child will generally follow this process. Not every state allows LGBT adoption, but thankfully, New Jersey does.
- Second-parent adoption: A second-parent adoption is a legal procedure that allows a same-sex parent to adopt his or her biological or adoptive child without terminating the first parent’s legal status as a parent.
- Step-parent adoption: Step-parents who wish to adopt their step-child must obtain either full permission from the child’s non-custodial parent, or the court must terminate the parental rights of his or her biological parent. This is usually only the case if there is evidence of child abuse or neglect.
- Adult adoption: This type of adoption is for two or more adults who wish to transfer inheritance rights and/or filiation.
There are also different types of adoption agencies, which may be divided into public and private categories. A public adoption agency is usually funded by local, state or federal sources. Generally, these children have living parents, and there may be a foster care period involved. Private adoption agencies, on the other hand, are funded by private donations and money from adopting families. These agencies generally do not involve any foster care and the children are usually available for permanent adoption.
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The Partners at Townsend Tomaio & Newmark lead the firm practicing Family and Divorce Law exclusively. All Partners have been honored by their inclusion in the New Jersey Monthly Super Lawyers List for several years. They lead the boutique firm in handling custody, support, alimony, divorce, and domestic violence cases across Northern, New Jersey.
