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We make the adoption process in New Jersey simple, fast and affordable.
New Jersey Adoption - $325
Now you can complete your stepparent adoption or adult adoption in New Jersey without having to pay high attorney fees. We make it possible to file and your own adoption. We never sell "automated" adoption forms, only documents prepared by an experienced adoption specialist. Our experienced New Jersey adoption team will review your information and prepare adoption papers specifically for your situation.
- Adoption specialist for New Jersey handles your case.
- Every customer is backed by our 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee.
- We stay with you through the entire process, to help guide you through the New Jersey adoption process.
- Over 20 years experience filing adoptions in the New Jersey court system
- 100% Court acceptance in the New Jersey adoption/Probate Court.
- Fast Process. Submit your order today and file your adoption forms tomorrow.
Information on filing an adoption in New Jersey.
When we prepare your New Jersey adoption papers, we will include all the provisions specific to your situation. Documents we prepare for one family will be different than the documents for another family, because circumstances are different. We ensure that your adoption forms are ready to sign and file with the court in New Jersey. Whether you are filing a stepparent adoption or an adult adoption, we will be able to help you get your adoption finalized.
New Jersey Stepparent & Adult Adoptions: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the adoption process in New Jersey can be straightforward when you know the requirements and steps involved. Below is an overview of key points, statutes, and best practices for both stepparent and adult adoptions in the Garden State.
1. Residency Requirements
- Residency Duration: Under N.J.S.A. 9:3-37, at least one adoptive parent (or the adopting individual) must have lived in New Jersey for at least six (6) months before filing the adoption petition.
- Where to File: Stepparent and adult adoptions are typically filed in the Family Part of the Superior Court, Chancery Division in the county where you reside or where the child/adult adoptee resides.
2. Stepparent Adoption in New Jersey
Stepparent adoption establishes a legal parent-child relationship between you (the stepparent) and your spouse’s child. Once finalized, you hold the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent, and the absent parent’s rights are usually terminated.
2.1. Consent of the Absent Parent
- General Rule: Under N.J.S.A. 9:3-41 and 9:3-46, consent from each legal parent is typically required for adoption.
- Exception—Abandonment: If the absent parent has abandoned the child (for instance, by having no significant contact or failing to provide support for a set period), the court may waive the need for that parent’s consent. Though the statute doesn’t specify a uniform timeframe, courts often look to whether there has been consistent neglect or non-involvement.
- Unknown Identity or Location: If the absent parent’s identity or whereabouts are unknown, the court will require you to conduct a diligent search and may order notice by publication. Once these steps are taken, the adoption can proceed without the parent’s formal consent.
2.2. Child’s Consent
- Child’s Preference: New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 9:3-49) generally requires the court to consider the child’s wishes if the child is of sufficient age and maturity. While there’s no fixed age for mandatory consent, many judges prefer direct input from children 10–12 years and older. Your local court may have specific practices regarding when a child must sign a consent form or speak to a judge.
2.3. Timeline & Court Procedure
- File the Adoption Petition: You’ll submit initial documents to the Family Part of the Superior Court.
- Notice to Interested Parties: Absent parents who can be located must receive notice. If they cannot be found, the court may require publication in a local newspaper.
- Social Investigation or Agency Involvement: Depending on the case, the court may order a brief investigation or background check. Stepparent adoptions often require less scrutiny than other adoptions.
- Final Hearing: If no one contests, the court may set a brief hearing to finalize the adoption. Stepparent adoptions in New Jersey often take 3–6 months to complete, though this can vary by county.
2.4. Amended Birth Certificate
After finalization, you can request a new birth certificate from the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics. This certificate will list the adoptive parent’s name and reflect any new name for the child. The original birth record is sealed and only accessible by court order.
3. Adult Adoption in New Jersey
Adult adoptions in New Jersey are typically more straightforward, as there are fewer legal prerequisites than in child adoptions.
3.1. Consent & Requirements
- Adult’s Consent: The adult adoptee must voluntarily consent to the adoption. There’s no requirement for biological parent consent in most adult adoption cases.
- Petition Filing: As with stepparent adoptions, you’ll file in the Family Part of the Superior Court in the county where either party resides.
3.2. Timeline
Adult adoptions in New Jersey can be finalized relatively quickly—often within 45–90 days—once all necessary paperwork is submitted and there are no objections.
3.3. Effects of Adult Adoption
The adoptive parent and adoptee acquire legal parent-child status, including inheritance rights. If desired, an amended birth certificate can be issued, though adults sometimes opt not to change their name or existing records unless there is a specific reason to do so.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
- What if the absent parent contests the stepparent adoption?
- The court will hold a hearing to determine if the absent parent has a valid claim to parenting rights. If they have abandoned the child, the court may still approve the adoption despite their objection.
- How do I change the child’s last name?
- You can request a name change within the adoption petition. If the adoption is granted, the court order will include the new surname, which is then reflected on the amended birth certificate.
- Are background checks required?
- Some counties may require a limited background or child abuse registry check for stepparent adoptions. Adult adoptions usually involve minimal investigation.
- Do I need a lawyer?
- We have helped over a thousand families throughout New Jersey without having to pay the high attorney fees. But we understand that some people feel more comfortable using an attorney. All of the families using our service successfully complete their stepparent or adult adoptions.
5. How We Can Help
We specialize in preparing legally compliant, court-ready adoption documents for both stepparent and adult adoptions in New Jersey. Our services provide:
- Tailored Forms: All paperwork is customized to your situation and adheres to New Jersey statutes and local rules.
- Guidance Through the Process: We offer step-by-step instructions for filing, serving notice, and completing any required hearings.
- Time & Cost Savings: Our approach streamlines the legal process, often at a fraction of typical attorney’s fees.
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New Jersey courts approve our adoption forms. You can file with confidence.
THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN NEW JERSEY
The court wants the child to have the unity and security of a two-parent home, and when the absent parent is not active in the child’s life, then the court will do the adoption without the consent of the other parent. If the other parent is willing to sign a consent, that will make the adoption easier, but if the absent parent has abandoned the child, then you can do the adoption without the father’s consent.
New Jersey Stepparent & Adult Adoption.
You no longer need to spend thousands on an attorney to complete your adoption. We give you the power to complete your own stepparent or adult adoption. We help you through all the stages of the adoption process, until the adoption is finalized and a new birth certificate is issued for the adoptee.
We understand what the courts need in New Jersey to finalized an adoption, and will make sure that you have everything you need to have your adoption successfully processed and finalized by the court.
To get started, click the buttons our site that says "Start your Adoption". This will take you to our questionnaire which provides our legal department the information needed to complete the legal documents for your New Jersey adoption.
FACT: The documents we prepare for your family will be different from what we prepare for another family. This is because the adoption forms are prepared specifically for your situation. This is why it is important to put in as much information as possible in our online questionnaire.
Once you submit your order, our team will prepare your New Jersey adoption forms and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court. Then our support department will stay with you through the entire adoption process.
COMPLETING AN ADOPTION IN NEW JERSEY
We have helped thousands of families successfully complete their adoptions. Whether it is a stepparent adoption or adult adoption, we can make it possible for you to complete your adoption without having to pay high attorney fees. No matter your situation, whether the father's identity is unknown, or any other issue, we will be able to help guide you through the adoption process in New Jersey.
Giving you the power to complete your adoption.
Courts understand that it is in the child's best interest to have two active and legal parents. When one parent is not active in the child's life, the court will do what is best for the child, and approve an adoption, with consent or proper grounds, upon the submission of the proper legal adoption documents.
We have seen every possible situation, and can help all of these families complete the adoption. Whether it is a surrogacy adoption, unknown father, multiple fathers, or deceased parents, we have the experience to help you complete your adoption - Guaranteed!
Don't let the high cost of an attorney stop you from completing your stepparent or adult adoption. You now have a legal and affordable means to complete your adoption and unite your family.
GET STARTED WITH YOUR NEW JERSEY ADOPTION
Our online questionnaire provides our legal department with the information we need to prepare you New Jersey adoption forms. Our experienced New Jersey adoption team will prepare your filing documents and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court.
SIMPLE 3-STEP PROCESS: Complete the questionnaire, then review and sign your New Jersey adoption forms, and file with the court. Our step-by-step instructions will help guide you through the process.
Court Experience
With more than 100,000 court document prepared over the past 20 years, we have the experience to make sure your New Jersey adoption papers are correct.
Low Cost-Only $325
Our New Jersey adoption department will make sure your documents are ready to file. We will prepare your document right - All for $325 (You will also have a court filing fee that you will pay later to the Court).
Court Guarantee
You can file with confidence, we back every customer with a 100% money-back court acceptance guarantee.
Our detailed instructions make the adoption process simple.
