When you decide to adopt a child, it is a public statement of your emotional pledge to care for them for life. However, it is also an economic and legal relationship that you should fully understand.
If you are ready to expand your family by adopting a child in New Jersey, it is only natural to have questions about the process and your legal rights. At Sangiovanni Marchetti Law, our family law attorneys can help grandparents, stepparents, and prospective parents (along with others) provide stable and loving families to children of all ages.
Even if you are currently working with an agency, experienced adoption attorneys can provide you with advice and guidance through the process. Learn more about adoption in New Jersey here.
Types of Neptune, New Jersey Adoptions
There are several types of adoptions in New Jersey. Some of the ones we represent include the following:
- Foster parent adoptions
- Open and closed adoptions
- Adoption of a special needs child
- Stepchild adoptions
- International adoptions
- Same-sex adoptions
- Contested adoptions
- Domestic adoptions
- Adopting your grandchild
- Private adoptions
While we can provide legal assistance with any New Jersey adoption, the three main types of adoptions we provide representation for include the following:
Private Adoptions
These are also called independent adoptions. Private adoption is usually coordinated between the child’s birth parents and the adoptive parents. With this type of situation, our attorneys can help ensure that each step of the process moves along efficiently and smoothly.
You can engage in a private domestic or international adoption. Both follow a similar process and require a skilled legal representative to handle it properly.
You can also adopt a child who does not live in New Jersey. Unfortunately, interstate adoptions are often more complex because of the differing laws in each state involved. The attorney you hire can ensure that the proper legal process is followed to ensure that your adoption moves along.
As experienced and knowledgeable adoption attorneys in New Jersey, you can count on us to serve as your representatives during this important period of your life. We are committed to helping you secure the necessary home study and prepare for all the adoption documentation needed to make your dream of having a family come true. Even if you are working with an overseas adoption agency, we will help you with the legal process to ensure the adoption is finalized so you can bring your child home.
Stepparent Adoptions
If you are the stepparent to a child and want to adopt them, our adoption attorneys can help you overcome any legal obstacles that may prohibit or delay you from doing this. You must acquire the termination of parental rights before you have the option to adopt your stepchild.
Under New Jersey law, it is only legally permitted for a child to have two parents. This is true even if more than two people are in parental roles. We understand the issues and delays that can occur with stepparent adoptions and will help you overcome them to adopt the child that you love as your own.
Relative or Grandparent Adoptions
If you are a relative or grandparent of a child who wants to adopt them, we can help you with these goals. Even if you have already been named the child’s custodial guardian, it is necessary to terminate the biological parent’s rights before you can legally adopt. We understand the law about these types of adoptions and can help you handle the legal process involved.
What Type of Adoption Is Right for Your Situation?
At Sangiovanni Marchetti Law, our team of compassionate and dedicated attorneys can help you determine the type of adoption that makes sense for your situation. After finding the child that you want to adopt, we will assist you with all aspects of the adoption process. This includes drafting the adoption petitions and any court filing requirements.
If you decide to adopt a child from another country or state, our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys can help you with the process. We will ensure that the adoption process is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Documents Required for a New Jersey Adoption
Multiple documents must be filled out and filed to legally adopt a child in New Jersey. While each case is unique, some of the documents required include the following:
- Complaint for Adoption
- Consent or Affidavit of Birth Father (or Mother)
- Affidavit of Costs and Expenses Incurred for the Adoption
- Affidavit of Circumstances Surrounding Placement of Child
- Order fixing the Date of the Preliminary Hearing
- Judgement of Adoption
Even in situations where the birth parents consent to the adoption, it is necessary to have the notice of the Adoption Hearing sent to them. This is true unless the birth parent’s rights have been terminated or surrendered in prior court proceedings.
After all the pleadings have been filed with the court and the home study investigation report is complete, the adoption will go to court, where it will be finalized.
Let Our Legal Team Help with Your Adoption Case in Neptune, New Jersey
Are you ready to adopt a child and complete or add to your family? If so, the legal process can be difficult and confusing, which is why you need experienced and knowledgeable legal representation to help you each step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help with the adoption process.
