Smedley Law Group PC Logo

Services

02. Adoptions

Gloucester County Adoption Lawyers located in Woodbury, NJ

Trusted Woodbury Adoption Attorneys Help Clients Through the Adoption Process in Gloucester County and Throughout South Jersey

Known as the happiest area of family law, adoptions are the manner in which a family can become complete. There are many ways a family can come into the adoption process, be it by way of a same-sex relationship where the adoption is needed to protect the rights of the non-biological parent, through a step-parent adoption, adult adoption, or when your family is made complete through the foster care system. Regardless of how you came to the decision to adopt, Smedley Law Group, P.C. can travel with you on this exciting journey.

Smedley Law Group, P.C. is on the roster as a firm approved by the Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P) to represent foster parents looking to complete their families through the adoption process.

If you’re a parent facing an application for the adoption of your child, we recognize that your rights are important and deserve protection. These proceedings can be fraught with emotion, and for that reason, it’s important to have a partner by your side who can work to protect your relationship with your child. Failure to take action in the face of such an application can have lifelong implications.

At Smedley Law Group, P.C., we’re here to advocate for your rights. To learn more about how we can help you through the exciting, yet sometimes challenging, adoption process in New Jersey, contact us today to arrange a consultation.

We Handle All Types of Adoption Cases

Our experienced lawyers handle all types of adoption cases, from the relatively simple to the complex. We can help with:

Private adoptions are perhaps the most common form of adoption. A private adoption is an arrangement between biological and adoptive parents. Usually, an adoption agency is involved (although one isn’t strictly required). However, a private adoption can take on many different forms. Private adoptions can be accomplished through:

Whether you’re working with an agency or not, it’s always advisable to have an experienced adoption attorney in your corner. We can help prevent complications from arising—and work to smooth over any bumps in the road along the way.

Why It’s Important to Hire an Experienced Adoption Attorney

Even if you’ve already decided which type of adoption option you wish to pursue, it’s important to be represented by someone who understands the process and can advocate for your rights.  Here are some of the key ways an attorney can help:

Even if the adoption process proceeds perfectly, it’s always a good idea to get the advice of someone who’s done this before. You have enough to think about—after all, you have a child on the way. Our lawyers will make sure you know what to expect and help to ease the transition for your growing family.

Call to Schedule a Consultation With an Experienced Woodbury, NJ Adoption Lawyer Today

Deciding to expand your family through adoption is an exciting step for your family. It’s important to have a family law attorney you can trust by your side throughout the entire process. To learn more about how our lawyers at Smedley Law Group, P.C. can help you expand your family through adoption, contact us today for a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Adoption

FAQ: I want to adopt my stepchild. Do I need a lawyer when my spouse has already agreed to the adoption?

Yes. Adopting a stepchild is a wonderful way to show unity within the family. However, it’s also a legal process. The child can only have two legal parents—meaning that the child’s biological parent will have to terminate their parental rights so you can complete the adoption.

FAQ: How can a parent’s rights be terminated so that I can adopt my child?

Termination of parental rights can happen in a number of different ways—usually, it’s either voluntary or court-ordered. Our lawyers can help make sure your adoption is legally accomplished so that your rights are protected. Termination can happen because the biological parent has abandoned the child. It can also be ordered because the biological parent has abused or neglected the child.

It’s important to understand that a biological parent’s rights aren’t terminated simply because the parent rarely sees the child. Even if the two parties have little contact, that usually isn’t enough for the court to terminate parental rights.

FAQ: Will I have to adopt my child if we hired a surrogate to carry the baby?

Yes. Surrogates have parental rights simply by the act of carrying the child. In order for you to gain those rights, the parental rights of the surrogate must first be terminated. Our lawyers can help you through this complicated process—if you’re considering surrogacy, call us as soon as possible so we can take steps to protect your legal rights from step one.

Chess set

Ready to throw out the status quo?

Book a consult today.

Our experienced team of attorneys have chosen to devote their entire practice to family law, ensuring you have a support system of strong litigators who’ll work on your behalf in your unique situation. We listen and talk with you to determine your goals and desired outcomes, and then work with you to achieve them through our advocacy.

take that first step