Is it legal to pay a birth mother or family for adoption?

No, it is not legal to pay a birth mother or family for adoption in New Jersey. According to The State of New Jersey Division of Children and Family Services, this constitutes as a form of child buying and is illegal. In New Jersey, surrogacy and adoption are regulated under the state’s “Adoption Act,” which prohibits the exchange of money for children in any type of arrangement. Furthermore, it is illegal to advertise for the purpose of buying or selling a child and violators can be charged with a crime. In New Jersey, the only payments that are allowed during the adoption process are for reasonable and customary expenses. These typically cover actual expenses such as maternity costs, attorney fees, and other related items. These are intended to help offset expenses associated with the child’s birth and adoption as well as to ensure that the adopting parent is able to provide the child with a stable home. People who want to adopt and birth parents involved in the adoption process should always be aware of the laws in New Jersey and never engage in any activities that could be considered illegal or in violation of the state’s adoption laws. By doing so, they can ensure that the adoption process is completed in a safe and legal manner.

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