What is the adoption process like?

The adoption process in New Jersey is a lengthy one that involves many steps. The first step, establishing parental rights, requires the biological parents to either voluntarily give up their parental rights or have them terminated through a court process. Then, the adopting parents must file an adoption petition in a court in the county where the adopting parent or the child resides. After that, the court must appoint a lawyer to represent the child’s best interests. Once all these steps have been taken, the court will hold a hearing in order to determine whether the adoption should be approved. At the hearing, the judge will ask questions of all parties involved, including the adoptive parents, the biological parents (if applicable), and the child. The judge must be satisfied that the adoption is in the child’s best interests before it can be approved. Once approved, the court will issue a Final Order of Adoption, which grants the adoptive parents all the rights and responsibilities of a legal parent. This means that the adoptive parents will gain legal custody of the child and have the same rights and responsibilities that a biological parent would have. The length of the entire process will vary depending on the circumstances, but it can take several months to complete. The process is subject to many court requirements and can be complex, so it is typically recommended that you obtain the services of a qualified attorney to guide you through the process.

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What is the adoption process like?

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