Posted on by Accel Admin

Adopting a child is one of the most honorable and well-meaning things someone can do for a person. By choosing to adopt, you are acting selflessly on the behalf of a child who wants nothing more than a home with parents who love him or her. The adoption process can be quite exciting, but it is important you know that the process is oftentimes very document-heavy and involved. This is why it is so important you contact a knowledgeable attorney and read more about which type of adoption is best suited for your individual situation. Below, you will find a list regarding the different types of adoption and their definitions:

  • Domestic adoption: This is when you adopt a child who was born in the United States, as a family who also lived in the United States. More recently, open domestic adoptions are becoming increasingly popular. Open domestic adoption is when the child’s birth parents agree to the adoption and may have ongoing contact with the child and adoptive family. 
  • International adoption: Sometimes also referred to as intercountry adoption, this is when you adopt a child who was not born in the United States. This type of adoption may be particularly rewarding, though it is important you should know that it may be a more involved process, and it usually requires a lot of travel.
  • Private adoption: If you are adopting a child you already know or are adopting through the child’s biological parent, then you are most likely having a private adoption. You will generally avoid adoption agencies in these cases. 
  • Step-parent adoption: If a step-parent seeks to adopt his or her stepchild, he or she must either obtain permission from the stepchild’s non-custodial parent, or the court must terminate the parental rights of the biological parent. This rarely happens, however, and will only typically occur if there is evidence of neglect or abuse.
  • Adult adoption: This type of adoption usually exists between two or more adults, and its primary purpose is to transfer inheritance rights and/or filiation.
  • LGBT adoption: Since LGBT adoption is legal in New Jersey, members of the LGBT community may adopt a child if they wish.
  • 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.

As stated earlier, the adoption process is very involved. You may be required to participate in background checks, interviews, home inspections and more. Hire an experienced attorney who will help guide you through the adoption process as efficiently as possible.

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Paris P. Eliades Law Firm, LLC is honored to serve the people of New Jersey, including Sparta, Sussex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Bergen County with the quality legal services they deserve. Contact our firm for a consultation today.