Sussex County Adoption Lawyers

Our family lawyers are experienced in all areas of family law, including adoption in the state of New Jersey. No matter which type of adoption you are interested in pursuing, our attorneys have the skills and expertise to provide you with the legal assistance you need. Let our New Jersey Law Offices of Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella guide you through adoption proceedings, assist with filing the proper paperwork, and help you with any challenges you encounter throughout the process.

Types of Adoption in NJ

There are several types of adoption, and the approach you take will dictate the degree of legal assistance you may require to complete the adoption process:

• Public Agency Adoption: In most cases, this type of adoption refers to foster child adoption through a public agency funded by the state of New Jersey or individual counties. There are many regulations for these types of adoptions, making it helpful to have an attorney who can guide you through the process.
• Private Agency Adoption: These agencies are licensed by the state and provide services during the adoption process. There is usually an additional cost when working with a private agency. It can be helpful to have an attorney assist you during the process.
• Direct / Independent Adoption: Independent or direct adoption means that the adoption is carried out without the involvement of a public or private agency. This type of adoption must be carried out with the help of an adoption lawyer familiar with the New Jersey regulations.
• Stepchild Adoption: Stepparents who play a significant role in their stepchildren’s lives may choose to adopt the children and become their legal guardians. In these cases, the biological, non-custodial parent must relinquish parental rights before the adoption can progress. A lawyer is always required for these types of adoptions to file legal paperwork and assist during hearings.

Guardians for Children

When parents are no longer able to care for their child, a guardian must be appointed to assume the parental role. The guardian(s) are responsible for protecting and providing care for the child, in addition to making decisions that reflect the best interests of the child.

The guardian can be appointed by the child’s parent, or the guardian can ask the court to be made the child’s guardian; the judge will make the final decision. If you are a parent seeking to appoint a guardian for your child or a potential guardian looking for legal advice, contact the attorneys at our New Jersey law firm.

There are different types of legal guardians, and a lawyer can help you determine which guardianship designation is most appropriate for your situation and/or assist you during the court appointment process. Our estate planning attorneys can also draft wills that appoint legal guardians in the event of death or severe illness.

The Adoption Process in New Jersey

Every adoption is different, and the exact process will depend on the unique circumstances surrounding your adoption. Generally speaking, before an adoption can become legal, the new parent(s) must appeal to the appropriate New Jersey court for approval of the adoption, have consent from all involved parties, and complete a court adoption hearing. Depending upon the type of adoption you are proceeding with, our lawyers can help ensure that each step of the legal process moves along as smoothly as possible.

Contact Our Adoption Lawyers in Sussex County, NJ

If you are considering adoption and live in New Jersey, the attorneys of Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella can provide the skilled assistance you need every step of the way. Our team of attorneys is experienced in both straightforward and complex adoption cases and qualified to handle intricate cases involving divorce, child custody, and legal issues involving biological parents. and are dedicated to providing you and your family with the comprehensive legal services you need. Contact our law offices in Hopatcong today for more information about adoption.

Our team of attorneys is experienced in both straightforward and complex adoption cases and qualified to handle intricate cases involving divorce, child custody, and legal issues involving biological parents. If you are involved in, or considering adoption in New Jersey, we recommend that you contact The Law Offices of Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella to speak with a lawyer who can advise you about your rights and legal responsibilities in an adoption.