How Does Stepparent Adoption Work in New Jersey?

If you are a stepparent, it may have been challenging to take over such an important role in a child’s life. In some cases, stepparents may want to consider adopting their stepchildren. It is important to note that there are many legal complexities that are involved in adopting a stepchild, which is why it is important to have an experienced New Jersey family law attorney on your side. At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, our firm is dedicated to helping our clients attain their familial goals. We are prepared to discuss your case with you and help you in any way that we can. Keep reading to learn about the process of adopting a stepchild in New Jersey.

Is it difficult to adopt stepchildren in New Jersey?

While stepparent adoption is not as involved as other kinds of adoption, there are still steps that must be followed. In this situation, the most important component of the process is receiving consent from the other birth parent.

If you are trying to obtain stepparent rights, you will benefit from having an experienced New Jersey family law attorney on your side. Our firm is committed to ensuring that the best decisions are made for both you and your family. Contact us today to get started.

Do I need to obtain consent from both birth parents in order to adopt my stepchild?

All stepparent adoptions require consent from both birth parents. However, if the other parent’s parental rights have been terminated, then the birth parent’s consent is not required. Additionally, it is important to note that obtaining consent from the other birth parent is not typically easy. This is because by providing consent, that birth parent will surrender all parental responsibilities. In situations where the birth parent does not have a relationship with the child, the stepparent may be able to get consent more easily.

Do not hesitate to contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark to discuss the specifics of your case and the best course of action toward adopting your stepchild.

What are my options if I am denied consent?

If the other birth parent does not give their consent, there may be ways to terminate that birth parent’s rights. They can be terminated if you are able to prove that either the child was abandoned by that parent, the parent is unfit, or is not the biological father (if the other parent is a male).

If you believe that your stepchild’s other parent should have their parental rights terminated, give our firm a call today. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in this field and are prepared to help you through this stressful time.

Contact our Firm

If you need an experienced legal team to guide you through your divorce, contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark L.L.C today.