ADOPTION
DEDICATED BERGEN COUNTY ADOPTION LAWYER
Experienced Englewood Adoption Attorneys
Not all families come together in the same manner. A growing number of families across the country are choosing to create or add to their family through adoption. Whether you are a same-sex couple having their first child, a single parent or couple looking to expand your family, or a stepparent making that final gesture to formalize your parental love, legal placement is a wonderful option for millions of loving parents across the country.
Adoption is a meaningful and life-changing journey that requires careful legal guidance and emotional support. At Herbert & Weiss, our experienced Englewood adoption attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.
Whether you’re a grandparent, stepparent, single parent, or part of a same-sex or opposite-sex couple, we understand the complexities of adoption law in New Jersey. We work diligently to ensure a smooth and legally sound adoption process, giving you peace of mind as you expand your family.
Adoption is also, however, a significant undertaking, with many financial and legal issues to work through. The compassionate Englewood attorneys at Herbert & Weiss are ready to help grandparents, stepparents, second parents, single parents, same-sex couples, opposite-sex couples, or any other prospective parents provide loving homes and stable families for their adoptive children.
We are also available to help mothers and couples facing an unplanned pregnancy consider the best options for their unborn or newborn children. Our experienced lawyers can work with you through the adoption process, help prepare you for the legal hoops and hurdles you must clear, and answer any questions you have throughout.
Trying to expand your family through adoption in New Jersey? Reach out to the experienced adoption attorneys at the Englewood office of Herbert & Weiss at (201) 440-6300 or contact our firm online to schedule a consultation today!
What Are the Requirements for Adoption in New Jersey?
Any adult who is over the age of 18 and is at least ten years older than the prospective child may seek to adopt in New Jersey. The typical adoption process involves working with an approved adoption agency to vet the prospective family. The agency will conduct a home study investigation, which involves interviewing the adopting party or parties and inspecting their home to ensure that the child will be entering a loving and stable situation. The report will include a background check, looking for New Jersey State and federal criminal history for the parents and any other adults residing in the home, as well as any other indicators of a history of:
- Violence
- Child abuse
- Neglect
- Or Domestic Violence
A legal adoption in New Jersey requires a court proceeding. You or your attorney will file a Complaint for Adoption as well as additional pleadings such as a Consent or Affidavit of the Birth Mother, an Affidavit of Circumstances Surrounding Placement of a Child, and a proposed Judgment of Adoption. Notice of the adoption must be transmitted to the birth parents, even if they consent to the adoption, unless their rights were already terminated or surrendered in a previous proceeding. Once all of the documents have been properly filed and appropriate notice to relevant parties given, the court will hold a final hearing. Your New Jersey family law attorney will help you draft the required documents, gather the necessary paperwork and evidence to support your eligibility and ensure that you complete all elements required for legal adoption.
For more information, contact the experienced Englewood, NJ adoption attorneys at Herbert & Weiss, LLP by calling (201) 440-6300 or contact our firm online to schedule a consultation today!