Adopting a child is one of the most rewarding acts a parent can do. Adoption is an opportunity to build an inseparable bond between an adoptive parent and an adoptive child. Continue reading to answer some of the most common questions asked regarding adopting in New Jersey.
What are the different types of adoption in New Jersey?
If you are interested in the adoption process in New Jersey, it is important to know that there are a variety of different types, most of which have different, lengthy processes. If you are considering adoption, get to know the different types and which might be best for you:
- Domestic adoption: the placement of U.S. born infants for adoption by their legally consenting birth parents
- Private adoption: the process of adopting a child you already know or are adopting through the child’s birth parent
- International adoption: adopting a child who was born in another country
- LGBT adoption: the process of adopting a child as a member of the LGBT community
- Step-parent adoption: with full permission from the child’s non-custodial parent, the step-parents adopt their step-child. This may also occur if the court terminates the parental rights of the child’s biological parent in the case of neglect or child abuse
- Second-parent adoption: the legal procedure in which a same-sex parent adopts his or her biological adoptive child without terminating the first parent’s legal status as a parent
- Adult adoption: two or more adults who wish to transfer inheritance rights or affiliation
What is the adoption process in New Jersey?
There are many steps and stages in the adoption process in New Jersey. The first step is to complete a home study which will include a 27-hour training period and a home visit. Following the home study, you will submit your employment, schooling, childcare, and medical reference information. Once this has been submitted, you will apply to become the child’s adoptive parents which will take you through the CP&P to gain state approval to adopt a child.
Once you have matched with a child, you will need to gain the involved parties’ consent. This can include the biological parents, foster home, or any other related party. This will proceed to the adoption process through court. The final step will be after taking your child home where you will proceed with a supervision period that simply ensures your child is safe, in a clean, 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.
