Please read on, then contact one of our experienced adoption attorneys in Bergen County, NJ to learn what open adoption is in the state of New Jersey.
How does New Jersey define an open adoption?
In an open adoption, the birth parents and adoptive parents communicate with one another before, during and after the adoption process is complete. Contact can take place in the way the parties are most comfortable, such as, but not limited to, the following means:
- Emails
- Letters
- Photos
- Phone calls
- In-person visits
Many birth parents find that open adoption allows them to watch their child grow and it eliminates many of the uncertainties and “what if” questions that come with closed adoptions.
What are the benefits of open adoption in New Jersey?
This form of adoption has the potential to benefit all parties involved, including the child at the center of it. Some of the many benefits of an open adoption include the following:
- Birth parents can have peace of mind as well as an ongoing relationship with their child
- It assists with the grieving process
- It extends the family and support network
- Adoptive parents will know more about their child’s family history
- Adoptees will have an increased sense of identity because they will have knowledge of their background
We would not be doing our duty if we did not also inform you that there are some potential disadvantages to open adoptions, including either party changing their mind, difficulty interacting with the other side, feelings of obligations, power struggles, a reduction of the child’s ability to assimilate, less anonymity, lack of closure and more.
If you require assistance weighing the pros and cons of conducting an open adoption in the Garden State, you should reach out to one of our skilled Bergen County, NJ family law and divorce attorneys today. Aside from discussing your options, a seasoned legal representative will work to put your choice into action and defend your rights every step of the way, whether you are one of the birth parents or part of the prospective adoptive family. At the end of the day, we all want to achieve the child’s best interests, so please do not hesitate to give us a call today.
Contact our experienced Bergen County 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 your divorce, please contact us online, or through our Hackensack, NJ office at (201) 397-1750.
