New Jersey Adoption Lawyer

Adoption is a beautiful and life-changing process that can bring a child into a loving home. If you are considering adoption, you may be wondering what the process is like and what your options are. Read on and reach out to a dedicated New Jersey adoption lawyer from Lawrence Law to learn more about what the process looks like and how we can assist you through it.

Adoption Lawyer | Helping Families Grow

One of the most wonderful parts of being a New Jersey family lawyer is guiding clients through the adoption process. Adopting a child is one of the most selfless things a person can do, yet still, it is incredibly rewarding for the child’s new parents as well. We at Lawrence Law would be honored if you chose us to help your family grow through adoption.

Different Types of Adoption

There are many different types of adoption, each with its own distinct set of criteria and procedures. The most common types of adoption in New Jersey include:

• Public adoption: This type of adoption entails adopting a child from the foster care system. Public adoptions are typically open, which implies that the birth parents are involved in the adoption process.
• Private adoption: This type of adoption entails adopting a child from a private agency or individual. Private adoptions can be open or closed, depending on the wishes of the birth parents.
• International adoption: This form of adoption involves adopting a child from another country. International adoptions can be more complicated than domestic adoptions, and there are often additional requirements and fees involved, as frequently, adoptive parents will have to take several trips to and from the child’s home country throughout the adoption process.

Adoption Process in New Jersey

Parents in New Jersey looking to adopt a child must be 18 years or older and residents of the state. Once you hire your lawyer, you will first have to complete a pre-adoption training program and a home study assessment conducted by a licensed adoption agency or social worker. From here, you’ll choose the adoption route you want to take (e.g. private, public, or international adoption). Once you find a suitable match, you may arrange for a pre-placement meeting to establish a connection with the child’s biological parents. From here, a licensed adoption agency or social worker will supervise you throughout a six-month post-placement period to ensure you’re looking out for the child’s well-being.

As long as it’s determined you can sufficiently care for the child, your lawyer will file a petition for adoption with the court. The court will then schedule an adoption hearing, wherein the judge will review your case and determine whether the adoption is in the child’s best interests. As long as the judge approves, the court will issue a final adoption decree, granting you legal parental rights of the child.

Contact an Adoption Lawyer Today

The world needs more parents like you. If you are considering adoption, please don’t hesitate to contact Lawrence Law today. We are here to guide you through every step of the process.