New Jersey Adoption Lawyer
Trusted Adoption Attorney in Hamilton, NJ Assists Clients Through The Adoption Process and Legalities in Mercer County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, and Throughout NJ
There are so many children in need of a secure home and a loving family to protect and care for them. Through the adoption process, this dream becomes a reality. This process, however, can be overwhelming, emotional, and confusing. A strong and trustworthy family law attorney can make all the difference in navigating this precious time. At Hartman Duff, LLC, a dedicated and compassionate New Jersey Adoption Lawyer has a wealth of experience in these matters. We can help you with the adoption proceedings, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court.
Every family is different and has various needs and interests that go into consideration when facing adoption or family law issues. The Hartman Duff, LLC team values your family and we are committed to fighting for your rights.
If you live in Mercer County, Burlington County, Somerset County, Middlesex County, or anywhere else in New Jersey, the legal team at Hartman Duff, LLC is trustworthy and experienced, and ready to help. Contact our New Jersey Adoption Lawyer today for a confidential consultation.
Get a Confidential Consultation With An Experienced Adoption Lawyer. All You Have To Do Is Call 609-853-5579 or Fill Out Our Case Evaluation Form.
*$375.00 consultation fee applies for family law matters.
Types of Cases Our Qualified New Jersey Adoption Lawyer Handle
The dedicated New Jersey Adoption Lawyer at Hartman Duff, LLC is here to help you navigate the adoption process through any adversity and hardship that may arise. We want to see you succeed in your adoption procedure. We have experience in various areas of adoptions, including:
- Open adoptions
- Private adoptions
- Adopting a step-child or family member
- LGBTQ adoptions
- Single-parent adoption
- Contested adoptions
- International adoptions
- Adopting a grandchild
- Adopting a foster child
Our New Jersey Adoption Lawyer has the experience and expertise to guide you in any adoption procedure and stand by your side from start to finish throughout your case. It is important to have an attorney who knows how to handle the complexities of the adoption system in New Jersey. Contact Hartman Duff, LLC today to learn more.
Understanding the Adoption Home Study Process in New Jersey
In New Jersey, you must complete a home investigation process where the adoption agency conducts a thorough investigation, which involves:
- An interview process
- A criminal background check of the adoptive parents (and potentially any other adults living in the household)
- Medical assessments
- Income verification
- Contacting references
- Employment verification
Adoptions usually require substantial paperwork and legal documentation. This thorough process is designed to protect both the child and parents. You might run into roadblocks along the way. We can help with any challenges and do the legwork necessary so that you can legally and comfortably expand your family. Our experience in adoption procedures is deployed for your benefit. Contact Hartman Duff, LLC today.
New Jersey Adoption Law Imposes Strict Procedural Requirements
Private adoptions are the most common type of adoption and involve a situation where the birth parents give up their parental rights and adoptive parents gain those parental rights. While seemingly straightforward, sometimes complications arise. In New Jersey, the adoption procedure usually goes as follows:
- Finding the child you want to adopt
- Completing the home study to the state’s satisfaction
- Filing a “Complaint for Adoption” with the New Jersey courts
- Attending at least one court hearing–in some cases, multiple hearings may be needed
- Obtaining the certified copy of legal adoption papers from the court
- Amending the child’s birth certificate to list you as the adoptive parents
Frequently, the birth parents will give up their parental rights and transfer them to the adoption agency; then, it is up to the agency to screen prospective parents. In a private placement adoption, an agency is still involved, but the birth parents agree to transfer the child directly to the adoptive parents. Our legal team is here to help guide you through the entire process.
Contact Our Trusted New Jersey Adoption Lawyer for a Consultation Today
If you are interested in adopting a child or have a question about the adoption procedures in New Jersey, you need an experienced and trusted adoption attorney. We serve Mercer County, Burlington County, Somerset County, Middlesex County, and the rest of New Jersey. Contact Hartman Duff, LLC today for a confidential consultation.
New Jersey Adoption Lawyer Answers Frequently Asked Questions about Adoptions in New Jersey
We do. The Hartman Duff, LLC legal team has experience in all areas of adoption and are experienced with the adoption procedures in New Jersey. We negotiate in our client’s best interests and fight for your rights. If you are interested in adopting a child or have a question about a particular procedure regarding adoption, and live in Mercer County, Burlington County, Somerset County, Middlesex County, and throughout New Jersey, contact us today.
Open adoption occurs when the adoptive parents want the birth parents to continue contact. Some adoptive parents agree to send photos regularly. Others might even plan to allow the birth parents to visit sometimes. Alternatively, a closed adoption is one where the parties will have no contact after the legal adoption has been completed. It’s important to note that, in an open adoption, the New Jersey courts will generally not enforce an agreement that obligates the adoptive parents to allow contact with the birth parents. Even if the parties agree to maintain contact, it is ultimately the adoptive parents’ choice after the adoption is finalized. Our legal team is here to help you with any questions regarding the adoption process. Contact us in confidence today.
International adoptions are a noble and popular option, but can also be more expensive and more complicated than a domestic adoption. Both U.S. laws and the laws of the child’s birth country will impact the process. Depending upon the country of origin, it can be a big undertaking. In international adoptions, it is always important to have a lawyer who understands both New Jersey adoption laws and the laws of the relevant country. If you have any questions regarding adoption, our attorneys are here to help. Contact Hartman Duff, LLC today.