Adoption is arguably one of the most joyous but also stressful times in a family’s life. The adoption process is not always simple, and depending on which types of adoption you and your family choose, it can take a long time to achieve your end result. This is why it is important to retain an experienced New Jersey family law attorney that can lay out all of your options and walk you through whatever you choose. At the Siragusa Law Firm, we are committed to helping our clients achieve their family goals.
What are the different types of adoption in New Jersey?
Luckily, in the state of New Jersey, there are many different options for families considering adoption. These choices in New Jersey include the following:
- Domestic Adoption: This occurs when an individual in the United States adopts a child who was born and lives in the United States. Typically, this process will involve an adoption agency.
- Private Adoption: This usually happens within the United States but without the use of an adoption agency.
- International Adoption: International adoptions can be more elaborate than domestic adoptions because they typically require a significant amount of travel to and from the child’s home country. However, international adoptions are also extremely rewarding. When it comes to international adoption, you will require an experienced attorney to help you through the process.
- Second-Parent Adoption: A second-parent adoption is when a same-sex parent adopts a biological or adoptive child without annulling the first parent’s legal parental status.
- Adult Adoption: Adult adoption generally exists between two or more adults, with the primary purpose of either transferring inheritance rights or filiation.
- Step-Parent Adoption: Generally, stepparents can only adopt their step-child if the child’s biological parent gives his or her consent, or if an incident of abuse or neglect has been determined, thereby eliminating the biological parent’s parental rights.
- Family Adoption: Family adoptions are a bit distinctive from the other options because there is already an established relationship between the child and the prospective adoptive parent. This often happens when one or both biological parents are absent or unsuitable to care for the child and another adult wants to step in and claim parental rights. Some of the family members that may wish to consider the adoption process include the child’s step-parent, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or others.
It is evident that there are many different types of adoptions that can be chosen depending on each family’s goals and circumstances. If you are considering the adoption process, it is in your best interest to retain an experienced family law attorney to help you navigate through this complex, but a rewarding, journey.
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If you require experienced legal representation for a matter of Family Law, Supplemental Security Income, Medical Malpractice, Social Security Disability, or Legal Malpractice, Siragusa Law Firm is here to help. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your case.
