Adopting a child is one of the most selfless things someone can do for another person, and the best part about it is it works both ways. Both an adoptive parent and the adoptive child benefit from the adoption, as they form an inseparable bond unlike any other. One of the best parts about being a family attorney is helping bring families together through adoption. If you are considering adopting a child in New Jersey, here are some of the questions you may have regarding the road that lies ahead:
What are the different types of adoption?
Several different types of adoption apply to various scenarios and situations. The most common types of adoption are as follows:
- Domestic adoption: Adopting a child born in the United States as a United States resident is considered a domestic adoption.
- International adoption: This, rather obviously, is when you adopt a child from another country.
- Private adoption: Sometimes, people seek to adopt a child directly through the child’s biological parent. This is considered a private adoption.
- Step-parent and grandparent adoption: These adoptions generally occur when a biological parent forfeits his or her parental rights or has them seized by a court, allowing for a step-parent or grandparent to adopt the child
What do I have to do to adopt a child?
Though adoption is an exciting endeavor, there are several steps you must first complete before you can take your child home for good. The “Home Study” process begins with a 27-hour training period and a home visit. From here adoptive parents must submit personal information, such as employment, schooling, childcare, and medical references.
To adopt a child, you must apply to become the child’s adoptive parents. Next, you must go through the CP&P and gain state approval to adopt a child. You will then have to match with a child, acquire all involved parties’ consent (such as the biological parent, foster home, or any other party involved). From here, you must complete the adoption process in court, and once you finally take your child home, there will be a supervision period in which the court will ensure your child is in a clean, safe, and positive environment.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients to understand and protect their legal rights before, during, and after the divorce process in towns across New Jersey and Bergen County, including Hackensack, Ridgewood, Paramus, Teaneck, and Fort Lee.
To speak with our team of divorce lawyers today in a free and confidential consultation regarding your concerns about moving out of your marital home during your divorce, please contact us online, or through our Hackensack, NJ office at (201) 397-1750.
