Adopting a child can make a tremendously positive difference in their life, providing a stable and loving home in which the child can be nurtured and grow. Unfortunately, adoption can often be a difficult process, for a variety of different reasons. In order to legally adopt a child, a number of different steps must first be taken. These steps can vary depending on the situation, and understanding what must be done to successfully adopt a child on your own can be difficult. Therefore, it may be necessary to secure the assistance of a qualified legal representative.
If you or someone you know wants to adopt a child and need legal assistance, we can help. Contact the Monmouth County adoption attorneys of the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. today at (732) 898-2378 to discuss the details of your situation with a qualified member of our legal team and learn more about the legal requirements you must meet.
How We Can Help
The state of New Jersey has some of the most inclusive adoption laws in the country, allowing a broad range of different groups and individuals adopt children. We can help you with all legal needs relating to your adoption in situations involving:
No matter your reasons for wanting to adopt a child, you deserve the best legal assistance available in order to ensure that your adoption goes as smoothly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an open adoption and a closed adoption?
Open and closed adoptions are terms which refer to the degree to which the birth parents will be present in a child’s life after that child has been adopted by others. In a closed adoption, there is no interaction or contact between the birth parents and the child in question. In open adoptions, there is interaction and contact to the degree to which the birth and adoptive parents have agreed. There are various levels of openness to an adoption, and each open adoption is unique in its terms of interaction. For example, in one open adoption, the adoptive parents may send pictures and letters of update to the birth parents, but the birth parents may have no direct contact with the child. In another open adoption, the adoptive parents may invite the birth parents to birthdays and other milestones. The degree of openness depends on the wishes of both parties and varies considerably from one adoption to the next. For more information about open and closed adoptions, please contact the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. at (732) 898-2378 today.
How can an attorney help me with the adoption process?
Adoption attorneys are often vital resources in the adoption process and are useful in a number of ways. Attorneys can help with the filing process, ensure that all documents are appropriately and accurately completed and submitted by the necessary deadlines, negotiate with birth parents about the terms of the adoption, and make appeals in cases in which the adoption is not approved. Overall, adoption attorneys serve to simplify the adoption process and to effectively take the necessary steps of adoption so that adoptive parents do not have to worry about the complexities and stress of the process. For more information about how one of our skilled Monmouth County adoption attorneys can help you, please contact the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. at (732) 898-2378 today.
What are the basic requirements to adopt a child in New Jersey?
The basic requirements to adopt a child in New Jersey state that those wishing to adopt must be at least 18 years of age and at least 10 years older than the child they want to adopt. There are additional requirements for married couples wishing to adopt, which depend on whether both spouses want to adopt the child or if a single spouse does. Additionally, anyone wanting to adopt a child must undergo an adoption home study, in which the agency they would like to adopt from ensures that the prospective parent(s) are suitable candidates and capable of safely and effectively caring for a child. For more information about the requirements to adopt a child, please contact the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. at (732) 898-2378 today.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know is considering adoption, you should speak with a qualified legal professional in order to fully understand your legal options and the requirements you may have to meet. Contact the Monmouth County adoption lawyers of the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. at (732) 898-2378 today to speak with an experienced legal representative about your situation.