Adoption is one of the most positive areas of family law. If you are considering adopting a child, you are doing a fantastic thing, and both you and your child will reap its benefits. While adoption is exciting and a wonderful thing to do, you should also know that it may be a complicated process as well. However, with the help of a knowledgable and compassionate attorney and a bit of self-knowledge, the process should go as smoothly as possible. There are several different types of adoption, so it is extremely important you know which one is right for you. They are as follows:
- Domestic adoption: This is when you, as a U.S. resident, seek to adopt a child that was also born and lives in the United States. You may also wish to consider an open domestic adoption. This is when the child’s birth parents consent to the adoption of the child and will also have ongoing contact with both the child and his or her adoptive family, meaning you. People generally agree that this is best for the child, if at all possible.
- International adoption: Adopting a child from another country is considered an international adoption. The international adoption process generally requires a good amount of travel, so you should be prepared.
- Private adoption: A private adoption is when you seek to adopt either a child you already know or are adopting through the child’s biological parent.
- Step-parent adoption: This is when a step-parent seeks to adopt his or her stepchild. In order do to so, however, a step-parent will have to either get permission from the child’s noncustodial parent, or the child’s biological parent must have his or her rights as a parent terminated. This usually only happens in extreme cases of neglect or abuse.
- LGBT adoption: In New Jersey, members of the LGBT community may adopt a child.
- Second-parent adoption: This form of adoption allows a same-sex parent to adopt his or her biological or adoptive child without terminating the first parent’s legal status as a parent.
- Adult option: It is important to note that adoption is not exclusively reserved for children or younger people. This form of adoption exists between two or more adults, and its main purpose is to transfer inheritance rights and/or filiation.
Adoption is exciting, but the process is involved. You may have to participate in background checks, training courses, home visits, home inspections, interviews and more. This is why you must hire an experienced attorney to help you along the way.
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If you require strong legal representation for matters related to divorce or family law, Haber Silver Russoniello & Dunn is here to help. We proudly represent clients in Morris County and throughout the state of New Jersey. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
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