Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey
adoption and abandenment
my wife has joint custody of her niece and has had it for the last 9 years her parents have not seen her in 7 years now they want to see her and we dont want them to we want to adopt her but they wont sign there rights over what can we do to adopt her the father is in rehad again and the mother is on methadone we are all she knows as far as mom and dad i dont want her to get messed up by this and dyfs closed the case years ago now they are giving us a run around
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: adoption and abandenment
You should consult with an attorney about filing an adoption petition with the court on the theory that the
parents have abandconed their parental rights; that the child has bonded with your wife and you and that the parents rights as parents should be terminated by the Court.
Call me if you like.
Gary Moore, Esquire
Hackensack, New Jersey
www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com
Re: adoption and abandenment
The parents should probably not see the child regardless of whether they are in rehab. It is very dangerous for a child to see a parent(s) if it is been a long time. Court almost always order re-introduction therapy.
You need to file for adoption. Since it sounds like it should be contested, I suggest you get an attorney. I am in Toms River, so feel free to call me at 732/247/3340 to discuss your case.