Adoption Lawyers Helping New Jersey Families Through Adoption Cases

Adoptions are, without a doubt, the most joyous part of our family law practice. Adoptions are near and dear to the heart of our founding partner, Ann Edens. She is adopted herself and has also experienced the joy of adopting her own children. Additionally, Ms. Edens is designated as one of the adoption attorneys recommended by the prestigious Spence-Chapin Adoption Agency in New York City.

It is a significant, life-altering step when you have made the decision to adopt a child. This is naturally a time of joy and excitement for both you and the child. Nonetheless, the legal process for adoption can present very demanding and time-consuming challenges. Our experienced legal team of adoption lawyers in New Jersey is well-versed in the sometimes long and complicated process of adoption. We can help guide you through the legal process and help relieve much of the emotional stress that you may be experiencing.

What Type of Adoption Options Are Available?

There are several types of options available if you are looking to adopt a child.

• Private Adoption Agencies: These agencies are funded by both private donations as well as donations from families who are adopting children. These children are generally eligible for permanent adoption and have not been involved in foster care.
• Public Adoption Agencies: These agencies are normally funded by local, state, or federal resources. The children they care for most likely have living parents. It is also likely that they have lived at one time or another in a foster care home.
• Direct Adoptions: Also known as an independent adoption, this is a legal agreement that is decided between the birth mother and the adoptive parents.
• Step-parent or Grandparent Adoptions: In cases where the biological parents have either forfeited their parental rights or had their permanent rights removed by the court, often either a step-parent or grandparent will take legal responsibility and adopt the child.
• International Adoptions: Adopting a child that was born outside of the United States can be a very complicated process. The legal process involved can vary significantly and is largely dependent on the country from which you are adopting the child.

Regardless of what country of origin the child comes from, all prospective parents are required to submit an “adoption dossier,” which must be notarized and is then directed to the US Department of State to be considered before an adoption can legally take place.

What is an Adoption Dossier?

An “adoption dossier” is a collection of documents that contain detailed information about you. In most countries that allow international adoption, this is a requirement for all prospective parents. Composing a dossier includes gathering the appropriate documents, having them properly notarized, and then obtaining the various seals from your county, state, and the U.S. government.

There are many various documents that you must have to complete your adoption dossier. Some of them include employment verification (even if you are self-employed), along with your current salary, a certified copy of your completed home study, results of your criminal background check, proof of homeownership or current rental agreement, and a letter of reference just to name a few.

At Edens Law, LLC, our adoption lawyers have the legal resources available that will enable us to help you compose and submit your “adoption dossier” and all other legal paperwork that may be involved in your adoption case.

Who May Adopt a Child in New Jersey?

There are certain legal guidelines that must be adhered to that the state of New Jersey stipulates for the adoption process. First, any individual who has reached the age of 18, that of legal consent, and is at least ten years older than the child they wish to adopt is considered eligible. A married individual can only petition the court to adopt a child by obtaining written consent from their spouse. This must be done jointly with the spouse in the same action or if separated and living apart. Naturally, prospective parents may adopt if the child was born in the state of New Jersey.

At Edens Law Group, our adoption lawyers have the expertise to ensure that you have an adoption plan that is legally secure. We can provide you with an assessment of the potential hazards associated with the adoption procedure as well as an explanation of your legal rights. Based on our history of handling similar situations, we know how important it is to study adoption agency contracts and maybe even negotiate them in order to safeguard your interests. Our adoption lawyers have extensive experience with DCP&P and are on their roster of adoption attorneys.  Finally, we understand that terminating the birth parents’ parental rights legally prior to placement is an important part of the adoption process.

If you need the assistance of an experienced adoption law attorney, contact Edens Law Group, LLC at 908-529-0353 and schedule a one-hour consultation with us to discuss your adoption case.