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Are There Different Types of Adoption?

One of the most exciting areas of family law is adoption. There is nothing more special than providing a home for a child in need. If you are considering adoption, you are probably wondering what the process is like and if there are different ways to go about it. Since not every adoption is the same, it should be no surprise that there are several different types of adoption. Below, you will find a list detailing what those specific types are.

  • Domestic adoption: Adopting a child who was born in the United States as a family who lives in the United States is a domestic adoption. In more recent years, open domestic adoptions generally feature some degree of freedom, meaning the birth parents who agree to the adoption of the child may have ongoing contact with the child and adoptive family as the child grows older. 
  • International adoption: Adopting a child who was not born in the United States and is living in another country is an international adoption. This process is also sometimes referred to as an intercountry adoption. This process is usually a bit more involved and may require a lot of travel.
  • Step-parent adoption: If a step-parent wishes to adopt his or her stepchild, he or she must either get permission from the child’s non-custodial parent, or the court must terminate the parental rights of his or her biological parent. These rights are usually only terminated if there is evidence of child abuse or neglect.
  • Private adoption: This is when you are either adopting a child you already know or are adopting through the child’s biological parent. Usually, you will not have to go through an adoption agency in this case. 
  • LGBT adoption: Members of the LGBT community may adopt a child in the state of New Jersey, though LGBT adoption is not legal in every state as of yet. 
  • Second-parent adoption: A second-parent adoption allows a same-sex parent to adopt his or her biological or adoptive child without terminating the first parent’s legal status as a parent. 
  • Adult adoption: This form of adoption exists between two or more adults, and its main purpose is to transfer inheritance rights and/or filiation.

Contact our New Jersey firm

The adoption process is very often document-heavy and deeply involved. If you are looking to adopt a child, you may have to participate in training courses, home visits, home inspections, reference checks, background checks, interviews and more. This is why you should consider hiring an experienced adoption attorney to help guide you through the adoption process.

Matters of divorce and family law require the attention and skill of an experienced attorney who will fight for your future. If you need a divorce and family law attorney in Ocean County, New Jersey, contact the Law Office of Sarina Gianna, LLC today to schedule a consultation.