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Deciding to adopt a child is the first step in the legal process of joining a family together. There are many factors to consider in the decision and a variety of legal and administrative hurdles to overcome. The majority of adoptions that take place each year in the United States are uncomplicated and families can begin their lives together quickly. In some cases, complications arise and the process can be an arduous one. Stress and emotions run high and long waiting periods can be agonizing, but our skilled and experienced adoption lawyers can ensure the most positive outcome for all involved.
Adopting a child is one of the most selfless things a person can do, yet it’s also incredibly rewarding for both parents and their adopted children. If you need assistance through the adoption process, please don’t hesitate to speak with the seasoned Somerset County family lawyers at The Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC today.
Once the decision to adopt a child or to place a child up for adoption is made, both sets of parents need to decide which type of adoption they want to pursue. There are several distinct options here, each with its own benefits and level of confidentiality.
No matter what type of adoption is chosen, it is vital to have an experienced and knowledgeable adoption lawyer at your side throughout the adoption process. Twists and turns commonly occur along the way, and a skilled adoption attorney can ensure that your legal rights are protected.
All roads in the adoption process lead to court in New Jersey, regardless if they are agency adoptions, open independent adoptions, closed independent adoptions, or international adoptions. In order for the court to approve an adoption in the Garden State, several things must be in place.
A home study of the adoptive parents must be completed. This is whereby the adoptive parents are screened in their home to determine whether or not they have the right environment to meet the adoptive child’s needs. A petition must also be filed with the court that clearly identifies the prospective adoptee, the identities of the adoptive parents, the legal reason the birth parents are terminating their parental rights, and a report filed by a social worker that confirms the best interests of the child to be adopted are being served. A hearing can then be scheduled. All parties, including the birth parents, agencies, or legal counsel involved in the adoption must be notified of the date. At this hearing, a judge will approve the legal adoption and the new family is free to begin their lives together.
As societal norms change in our culture, so too do the situations in families. Same-sex marriage, single parents, unmarried couples, relative/kinship adoptions, and adult adoptions are all emerging trends in our modern world. Laws are evolving as quickly as situations are changing, so individual states have been setting new precedents regarding who can adopt, the stipulations for adoption to take place, and the types of adoptions taking place. Parents in non-traditional relationships must be sure to meet the legal requirements of their state to ensure a smooth and minimally stressed adoption process.
The experienced and knowledgeable Somerset adoption lawyers at the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC can answer your questions about adoption and advise you of laws specific to your situation. Choosing to adopt is a personal decision, but getting the adoption legally finalized is best left to the professionals at our law firm.
If you or someone you know is considering adoption, the experienced and skillful Somerset adoption lawyers at the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC can help. Contact our dedicated team of compassionate and experienced adoption lawyers today.
