{"id":374958,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:56","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-adoption-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-11-05T11:28:29","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T16:28:29","slug":"new-jersey-adoption-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-adoption-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Adoption Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">New Jersey Adoption Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/christie-nicholson-j-d\/\">Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            November 05, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>The&nbsp;adoption process in New Jersey varies depending on the type of adoption you pursue. If you go through an adoption agency, your journey will be different from someone who adopts a child through the foster care system.<\/p>\r\n<p>Here, we\u2019ll describe the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/adoption-checklist.html\">adoption process<\/a> in New Jersey along with state adoption laws. The different types of adoption available in the state of New Jersey will be examined as well.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you\u2019re considering adopting a child, it\u2019s best to consult a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/new-jersey\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Jersey adoption attorney<\/a>. They are familiar with the process and have relationships with adoption agencies and other resources that can help make the process smooth.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Types of Adoption Available in New Jersey<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Every adoptive parent\u2019s experience is unique. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/the-different-types-of-adoption.html\">different types of adoption<\/a> available in New Jersey have differing requirements and steps. The types of adoption available in New Jersey include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Domestic adoption<\/li>\r\n<li>International adoption<\/li>\r\n<li>Private adoption<\/li>\r\n<li>Public adoption<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.gov\/njfosteradopt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foster care adoption<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Stepparent adoption<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Regardless of your path to adoption, you must follow specific requirements under New Jersey adoption law. All prospective adoptive parents must undergo a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.gov\/njfosteradopt\/adoption\/path\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">home study<\/a> and background check. We\u2019ll discuss the legal requirements for adoption in New Jersey below.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Legal Requirements for Adoption in New Jersey<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>To qualify for adoption in New Jersey, you must meet specific requirements. Even if you meet these criteria, you must go through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.gov\/dcf\/providers\/licensing\/laws\/AAmanual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">adoption process<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Under New Jersey law, anyone looking to adopt a child must meet certain requirements. These include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Be at least 18 years of age<\/li>\r\n<li>Be a resident of New Jersey<\/li>\r\n<li>Be in good physical and mental health<\/li>\r\n<li>Have adequate housing to support an adoptee<\/li>\r\n<li>Have a clean criminal and financial background<\/li>\r\n<li>Have the ability to pay the adopted child\u2019s medical expenses, educational expenses, etc.<\/li>\r\n<li>Be able and willing to take care of an adopted child<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>You can proceed with the adoption application if you meet these criteria. If you&#8217;re lacking in any of these areas, your application faces rejection.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>New Jersey Adoption Process: Step-by-Step Guide<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>While the adoption process varies according to the type of adoption you pursue, the overall process is similar. The process is completed within three to four months, although some cases take longer.<\/p>\r\n<p>In general, you must complete the following steps before the court orders the adoptive placement:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Adoption application<\/li>\r\n<li>Preservice training (foster care adoption)<\/li>\r\n<li>Adoption home study<\/li>\r\n<li>Individual interviews with all adults in the adoptive family<\/li>\r\n<li>Home visit<\/li>\r\n<li>Criminal background check and fingerprint screen<\/li>\r\n<li>Credit report and financial background check<\/li>\r\n<li>Personal references (employment, school, childcare, medical, etc.)<\/li>\r\n<li>Consent of biological parents (birth mother and birth father)<\/li>\r\n<li>Court termination of parental rights<\/li>\r\n<li>Social worker\u2019s final report after home study<\/li>\r\n<li>Final hearing<\/li>\r\n<li>Post-placement\/post-adoption check-up (foster care adoption)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If you\u2019re adopting a child with special needs, the home study will be more in-depth. The process will also involve additional steps if you\u2019re taking custody soon after the birth of the child.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Pre-Adoption Disclosures<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>In some cases, prospective parents in New Jersey will receive information about the child&#8217;s development and characteristics pre-placement. This information can include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Description of the adoptive child\u2019s personality<\/li>\r\n<li>Complete medical histories of the birth parents (if available)<\/li>\r\n<li>Information regarding any drugs and medications the birth mother took while pregnant<\/li>\r\n<li>Details on other relevant health issues<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>New Jersey Adoption Laws: The Basics<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>You don&#8217;t have to be an attorney to adopt a child, but the legalese statutes are often written in can be challenging to understand. To better help you understand New Jersey&#8217;s adoption laws, we&#8217;ve summarized the law below in plain English.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>New Jersey Adoption Code Statutes<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><b>New Jersey Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nj\/title-9-children-juvenile-and-domestic-relations-courts\/nj-st-sect-9-3-38\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title 9 &#8211; Section 3-38<\/a> (<i>definitions<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nj\/title-9-children-juvenile-and-domestic-relations-courts\/nj-st-sect-9-3-39-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title 9 &#8211; Section 3-39.1<\/a> (<i>offering, assisting in the placement of child for adoption, conditions<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nj\/title-9-children-juvenile-and-domestic-relations-courts\/nj-st-sect-9-3-41\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title 9 &#8211; Section 3-41<\/a> (<i>surrender of child<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nj\/title-9-children-juvenile-and-domestic-relations-courts\/nj-st-sect-9-3-46\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title 9 &#8211; Section 3-46<\/a> (<i>objection to adoption<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nj\/title-2a-administration-of-civil-and-criminal-justice\/nj-st-sect-2a-22-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title 2A, Section 22-1<\/a>, et seq. (<i>Adult<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Who May Be Adopted<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>Any person, regardless of age<\/li>\r\n<li>In an adult adoption, the adoptee must be&nbsp;ten years younger&nbsp;than the petitioner<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Age at Which the Child&#8217;s Consent Is Required<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li><p>Ten years and older (to be given consideration)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Who May Adopt<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>Any person at least 18 years old may adopt<\/li>\r\n<li>If the petitioner is married, the married couple must consent<\/li>\r\n<li>The court may waive any of these requirements for good cause<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Foster Care Adoptions<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>The Home Study Process allows <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.gov\/njfosteradopt\/adoption\/path\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Jersey&#8217;s Child Protection and Permanency (CP&amp;P)<\/a> agency to learn about prospective parents while helping families learn about adoption and transition into their new role. Steps include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>CP&amp;P offers 27 hours of mandatory training to prospective adoptive parents<\/li>\r\n<li>The home study process includes interviews with individual family members<\/li>\r\n<li>References must be provided (personal, employment, childcare, medical, etc.)<\/li>\r\n<li>Every adult in the household must undergo a criminal background check and child abuse record check<\/li>\r\n<li>Adoptive and foster families&nbsp;must have a license from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.gov\/dcf\/about\/divisions\/ol\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Office of Licensing (OOL)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>State Agency\/Court<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>New Jersey Department of Children and Families: Child Protection and Permanency (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nj.gov\/njfosteradopt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foster and Adoption Services<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Superior, Chancery Division, Family Dept. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.njcourts.gov\/self-help\/family\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Jersey Courts website<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i><b>Note<\/b>:<\/i>&nbsp;<i>New Jersey laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult a <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/new-jersey\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>family law attorney<\/i><\/a><i> or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Looking To Adopt a Child in New Jersey? An Attorney Can Help<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Adopting a child is a significant life change. It\u2019s a good idea to seek legal advice before embarking on the adoption process. Consider speaking with an experienced&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/new-jersey\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Jersey adoption law attorney<\/a> for a better understanding of what&#8217;s involved.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>New Jersey Adoption Laws: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/open-vs-closed-adoption.html\">Open vs. Closed Adoption<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/the-different-types-of-adoption.html\">The Different Types of Adoption<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/costs-of-adopting-fact-sheet-for-families.html\">Costs of Adopting: Fact Sheet for Families<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.gov\/dcf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Jersey Department of Children and Families<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption.html\">FindLaw&#8217;s Adoption Law Center<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 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