Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey

i have 4 year old twins whose biological father has been incarcerated for 2 years and is facing a 10-15 year prison sentence. He has an extensive criminal history. My boyfriend is there caretaker and would like to adopt them. We are not married, but plan to be in the future. We live in the state of NJ, can he adopt my children without us being married? He knows this is a lifelong committment to them and is ready to adopt and soley care for them. they already call him their daddy as they were 2 yrs old the last time they saw their father and they dont remember anything about him


Asked on 2/23/12, 9:35 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bernard J. Berkowitz Berkowitz & Raiken

While it may be possible for him to adopt them without being married to you, it would be much easier to do the adoption after you are married. Also, their natural father will have to be notified and if he objects, it could be more difficult to accomplish. If their father agrees, it should be very possible. The state would do a home investigation and report to the Judge. This would be after a complaint is filed with the Court. The cost would probably be between $3,000 to $4,000 dollars depending on how much time is involved which will primarily depend on the father's reaction. Call for an appointment, the first hour is free if you mention Law Guru, so this can be discussed in greater detail.

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Answered on 2/23/12, 10:04 am


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