If you are considering adopting a child in New Jersey, there is a very good chance that you have many different questions about the process ahead. There are many different types of adoption available to individuals in New Jersey, which is why it is critical that you have a firm understanding of each of these types of adoption and which type is best for you. Read on and speak with our New Jersey family law attorneys to learn about the different types of adoption in NJ. They are as follows:
- Domestic Adoption: This is when a parent adopts a child who was born in and lives in the United States. This is the most common form of adoption. In many cases, in today’s day and age, parents opt for open domestic adoption, wherein a child can keep in contact with his or her biological parents.
- International Adoption: Rather obviously, international adoption is when parents look to adopt a child who was born in and lives in another country. As you may infer, these adoptions are sometimes more complex, and they often involve multiple trips back and forth between the child’s country and the United States. That being said, international adoption can be incredibly rewarding, both for the parent and the child.
- Private Adoption: This is when a parent adopts a child either directly through that child’s biological parent or through someone the parent already knows. This will bypass the foster care system, and so many people choose this option.
- Adult Adoption: Generally, adult adoption is performed when two or more adults are looking to transfer inheritance rights or filiation.
- Second-Parent Adoption: This is when a same-sex parent adopts a biological or adoptive child without terminating the first parent’s legal status.
- Stepparent Adoption: Stepparent adoption is when one parent is seeking to adopt his or her stepchild. This type of adoption generally only occurs under one of two circumstances: the parent and child agree that they would like to solidify their relationship and make it formal, or when a child’s biological parent has proven him or herself unfit to be a parent, warranting the stepparent to obtain sole custody.
If you would like to know more about the different types of adoption available to you, as well as the adoption process, simply speak with our experienced Bergen County family law attorneys 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.
