Adoption Lawyers Helping to Guide You Through Adoptions Cases in Sussex County

It is a significant, life-altering step when you have made the decision to adopt a child. This is certainly a wonderful time for the child who is to be adopted, along with the prospective adoptive parents and extended family. Nonetheless, the legal process for adoption can present very demanding situations. The process can be both time-consuming and emotionally challenging as well. Our experienced legal team understands the various difficulties that present themselves during 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.

Our attorneys at Edens Law Group, LLC have the level of skill and experience necessary to handle your adoption case. We fully understand that this is a sensitive time in your life, and our goal is to provide you with excellent service and the appropriate legal insight as we both work through this legal process together.

Adoption can be very rewarding, but at times, it may also come with many challenges. If you feel that you need the assistance of an experienced adoption law attorney, contact Edens Law Group, LLC at (908) 879-9499 and schedule a one-hour consultation with us to discuss your case.

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.

We have the legal resources 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. Finally, we understand that terminating the birth parents’ parental rights legally prior to placement is an important part of the adoption process.

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, the prospective parents may adopt if the child was born in the state of New Jersey.

What If I Don’t Live in New Jersey?

In the cases of prospective parents who do not legally reside in the state of New Jersey, they may still adopt if the child was received from a licensed New Jersey adoption agency operating an office within the State. However, it is important to note that all individuals who want to adopt must meet specific legal requirements and criteria as prescribed by New Jersey state law. This is done in an effort to safeguard the child and determine that the prospective candidates are fit and suitable to be parents.

How Can an Adoption Lawyer Help Me?

This is a time of great excitement and optimism as you go forward with this phase of your life. An adoption law attorney can truly help ease your mind as you work your way through the adoption process. Our adoption law attorneys are highly knowledgeable and well-versed in many of the tedious aspects of this area of family law.

Edens Law Group, LLC’s devoted attorneys will keep you informed about the progress of your case. They may also walk you through the adoption process step by step and explain what to expect as your case progresses.

Our NJ law office serves the whole Sussex County community, and is conveniently located 58 minutes away from Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and 59 minutes away from Mountain Creek Resort. Contact us at (908) 879-9499 to get a one-hour case review if you need an adoption law attorney. We can work together to alleviate some of the anxiety and confusion you may be feeling about your situation. We want to be of assistance to you in your hour of need.