Adoption

Everyone involved in an adoption — the birth parents, the adoptive parents and the child — have interests that must be protected. Protecting those interests while also managing the emotions involved is not always easy. If you find yourself involved in an adoption in any way, the guidance of an experienced and compassionate attorney will be very helpful.

At the Union and Cedar Knolls offices of Wolfenson & Ashkenazi, P.C., we are happy to offer legal services to those seeking to adopt a child and to biological parents who are considering adoption in New Jersey. We take pride in helping people build families through adoption, and in finding loving homes for children. Union adoption lawyers Andrew M. Wolfenson and Rebecca Ashkenazi have over 50 years combined experience, understand the complex laws of adoption and know how to guide you through the process.

Handling Many Different Types Of Adoption In New Jersey

Our firm offers a range of adoption services to clients in northern and central New Jersey. We have experience in a broad range of adoption issues, including:

• Stepparent adoption: This is the most common type of adoption, occurring when a birth parent remarries and the new spouse wants to adopt the child. In some cases, the other birth parent consents to the adoption, but not always. If not, a court may grant the adoption if doing so is in the best interests of the child.
• Private placement adoption: Birth parents have the right to place their child with a family of their own choosing, provided that the family is considered suitable and the placement serves the child’s best interests.
• Agency adoption: New Jersey licenses a number of agencies to whom birth parents can entrust their children. The agency then places children with families that are qualified.
• Interstate adoption: If a child was born in New Jersey and a family from another state wants to adopt, there are certain legal steps that must be taken in both states. The same is true for adoptive parents in New Jersey who wish to adopt a child from another state.
• Adult adoption: in certain circumstances, an adult wishes to be adopted, such as by a step-parent. There are limitations on whether or not such adoptions may be permitted, and having competent counsel to assist in this process is critical.

You should also know that New Jersey allows same-sex couples to adopt children. In fact, we were the first state to specify that sexual orientation cannot be used to deny people the right to adopt.

Whether you have a child and are thinking about adoption or if instead you wish to become a parent through the adoption process, you can reach out to the Union or Cedar Knolls offices of Wolfenson & Ashkenazi, P.C. We will help you learn about and navigate through the process.

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Talk To Us About Stepparent Adoption And Other Forms Of Adoption

If you are ready to talk to someone about the process of adopting a child, or completing an adult adoption, call Wolfenson & Ashkenazi, P.C. You can reach us at 908-364-4054 or by sending an email. Your initial consultation is free of charge. Offices in Union and Cedar Knolls for your convenience.