Different Types of Adoption in New Jersey

Choosing to adopt a child is an exciting proposition but is one that is also filled with anxiety and confusion if you do not have an experienced adoption attorney walking you through the different questions you will have about the process. Knowing that you have a lawyer on your side from the beginning of the process can give you a great deal of peace of mind as you move forward.

Your NJ adoption lawyer can counsel you both before you decide to adopt and as you’re going through the process so that you have someone to turn to as issues arise.

There are many different types of adoption and choosing the one that is most appropriate for you should be done after evaluating your individual circumstances. This is why many people choose to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced adoption attorney at the outset before taking any formal action. A lawyer can walk you through some of the common advantages and disadvantages of different types of adoption to figure out what’s right for you.

Independent adoptions

One common type of adoption is a direct arrangement between adoptive parents and birth parents. This may involve a third party such as a clergy member or a doctor. Not every state allows independent adoptions and the ones that do will regulate them strictly, so ensure that you talk over your state’s laws with an experienced adoption attorney before you explore this option. One type of independent adoption is known as open adoption. This type of adoption allows the biological parents to have some form of limited contact even after the adoption is complete.

Agency Adoption

Adoption agencies are private or public and they are licensed to place children with adoptive parents. Public adoption agencies usually work with children who are wards of the state who have been orphaned, abused, or abandoned. Private adoption agencies are run by social service organizations and charities and will typically put children who have been brought to the agency by expecting parents who wish to give their child up for adoption.

Identification Adoption

This type of adoption combines independent and agency adoptions. Typically, adoptive parents will find a mother who wants to put a child up for adoption and then an adoption agency will be engaged to control the remainder of the process. The advantage is that there is no waitlist for adoptive parents. This also give prospective parents more control over the choosing the child they adopt while still benefitting from the professional services and counselling offered by the agency.

International Adoption

Adopting internationally is complicated because you will need to meet the requirements for the laws of the state in which you live and the host country’s laws. You will have to obtain an immigrant visa for the child through USCIS.

Adopting as Stepparents

Stepparents can adopt their spouse or partners child as long as the other parent consents. If one of the parents, however, does not consent or cannot be found, then hiring an experienced adoption attorney is necessary because there is a lot of paperwork and time involved.

Relative Adoptions

Kinship or relative adoptions happen when a child’s relative petitions the court to adopt the child. This is typically uncles, aunts or grandparents, and usually occurs after the incapacitation of both birth parents.

Adult Adoptions

Adult adoptions don’t happen very often but many states do provide for them. There usually must be an age difference between the parent and the adopted adult and the parties must illustrate the reasons why the adoption is in the best interest of the adult. Consulting with an experienced adoption attorney can help you.

Contact Our Offices in Haddonfield, Woodbury or Philadelphia.

To set up an appointment, call us in Haddonfield at 856-429-5005 or in Woodbury at 856-845-2555. We can also be reached in Philadelphia at 215-563-2150 or by e-mail.