Adoption is one of the most selfless acts a parent can do. To learn the different types of adoption available in New Jersey, continue reading. If you require assistance with our adoption matters, look no further than our experienced New Jersey family law attorney at Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark. Here are some questions you may have about adoption:
What are the different types of adoption in New Jersey?
There are various types of adoption in New Jersey. If you are considering adoption, it is important that you understand the different types available to you to discover which path may be best for you and your family. The following are the types of adoption in New Jersey:
- Domestic adoption: Domestic adoption occurs when infants born in the United States are placed for adoption by their legally consenting birth parents
- Private adoption: Private adoption occurs when a child is adopted by an individual that already knows the child or when the adoption is through the child’s birth parent
- International adoption: International adoption occurs when a child is adopted who was born in another county
- LGBT adoption: LGBT adoption refers to the process of adopting a child as a member of the LGBT community
- Step-parent adoption: Step-parent adoption occurs when the step-parents adopt their step-child with the full permission of the child’s non-custodial parent. Step-parent adoption also occurs when the court terminates the parental rights of the child’s biological parents if there is a case of child abuse or neglect.
- Second-parent adoption: A second-parent adoption refers to the legal procedure where a marriage partner adopts their biological or adoptive child without terminating the first parent’s legal status as a parent
- Adult adoption: Adult adoption refers to two or more adults who wish to transfer inheritance rights or affiliation
What is the adoption process in New Jersey?
The first step in the adoption process is the home study. The home study will include a 27-hour training period and a home visit. The next step will require you to submit your employment, schooling, childcare, and medical reference information. You will then apply to become the child’s adoptive parents which will take you through the CP&P to gain state approval to adopt a child. You will then need to gain the involved parties’ consent once you have been matched with a child. This may include the biological parents, foster home, or any other related party. The adoption process will then proceed through court. The final step of the adoption process will include taking your child home where you will have a supervision period to ensure your child is safe and in a positive environment.
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.
