Adopting a child is one of the noblest things a person or couple can do. In doing so, they allow a child to have a chance to be a part of a happy family. While this is a joyous time in people’s lives, it can also be a complicated process. It is because of this that it is important to have an experienced attorney at your side to help guide you through the process. In the state of New Jersey, there are several different types of adoptions for parents to consider.
Open and Closed Adoptions
A closed adoption is when a child’s birth and adoptive parents to not know one another’s names or contact information. Open adoption allows for communication between the two families. This can include sending pictures or updates and even sometimes visitations.
Private Adoptions
One of the most common types of adoptions, private adoption is when the birth parents voluntarily place their child for adoption. Often times, this means they are choosing the family they place the child with.
Step-Child Adoptions
This is an adoption by the spouse of a child’s legal parent. It is important to know that, in New Jersey, a child can only have two legal parents. If there is a third parent figure in the picture, they can only obtain legal rights if another legal parent is deceased or their parental rights are terminated.
Adopting a Grandchild
There are cases in which grandparents adopt their grandchild. This may be in the event that parents have problems of physical or mental fitness, incarceration, substance abuse, economic hardship, or the child needs to be removed from their home. Through adoption, a grandparent can obtain all parental rights and responsibilities.
Domestic and International Adoptions
Domestic adoption is when a child who was born in the United States is adopted by a family who lives in the United States. International adoption is when a child who was not born in the United States and is living in another country was adopted. Often times, this process requires a great deal of travel.
Same-Sex Adoptions
The adoption of a child by same-sex parents is not legal in every state. However, it is in the state of New Jersey.
Foster Parent Adoptions
Many children live in foster care before they are adopted. Foster parent adoptions occur when a child in their care’s biological parents’ rights are terminated by the court and the foster parents can then adopt them.
Adoption of a Special Needs Child
A special needs adoption is when a child with physical, emotional, or mental disorders/syndromes is adopted. This can include children who previously came from homes with a history of neglect, abuse, or were prenatally exposed to drugs or alcohol.
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