Those who are ready to adopt a child are in for one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. However, there are several legal hurdles you will have to jump before you can adopt a child. Adoption can be quite complex, especially if you are adopting a child from outside of the United States, so you must be patient and hire an experienced attorney who knows all about the adoption process in New Jersey.
Before you adopt a child, you may have to participate in training classes, home visits, background checks, and more, so it is always best you hire an experienced attorney to help you along the way. The many different types of adoption available to those living in New Jersey are as follows:
- Domestic Adoption: Domestic adoption refers to when a family or individual living in the United States adopt a child who was born and lives in the U.S. as well.
- Private Adoption: Private adoption is when an individual either adopts a child he or she already knows, or adopts a child directly through that child’s parents. Generally, this form of adoption bypasses adoption agencies.
- Step-Parent Adoption: This is when a stepparent is granted permission from a child’s non-custodial parent to adopt a child. However, stepparent adoption also comes into play when a court obtains evidence of abuse or neglect on the part of the child’s biological parent. If neglect or abuse is proven, courts may terminate the biological parent’s parental rights.
- International Adoption: This is when an individual adopts a child who was born in, and lives in another country. International adoption, though incredibly rewarding, may require more work than domestic adoption. International adoption sometimes requires several trips back and forth from the child’s home country.
- Adult Adoption: This usually exists between two or more adults, and typically is performed to transfer filiation or inheritance rights.
- LGBT Adoption: While LGBT adoption is not legal everywhere in the United States, fortunately, members of the LGBT community may adopt a child in New Jersey.
- Second-Parent Adoption: Second-parent adoption is also not legal everywhere in the U.S., but it is in New Jersey. This is when a same-sex parent adopts his or her biological or adoptive child without terminating the first parent’s parental legal status.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
Before taking legal action, it is important to discuss your legal situation with an experienced attorney. Divorce means a significant change in your life, which is why you need a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney who can help make the transition go as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. If you need a knowledgeable attorney, please do not hesitate to contact The Radol Law Firm to discuss any divorce and family law matters you may be facing.