Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey

Re: Step Child Adoption

Adopting someone else's child is a big step. It has many, many effects, and is a lot like getting married. It means a lifetime commitment to the child, an agreement to be that child's parent, forever.

From a practical point of view, your husband needs an attorney's assistance. There are far too many issues to discuss and resolve than can be done over this computer bulletinboard, and he really needs an attorney to assist in getting this adoption through.

If you would like, give me a call; I am in northern New Jersey. The telephone consultation will be free. I will do what I can to help you out.

My contact information can be obtained from the links below, just click on the Attorney Profile link. Let my secretary know you found me through LawGuru.

Disclaimer: you can not rely on the advice of an attorney given over the internet. The exact facts of your situation, including facts which you have not mentioned in your question, may completely change the result for your situation.

Re: Step Child Adoption

I am not an insurance expert but I expect that your husband can not place his stepchild under his medical insurance coverage. He should inquire of the insurance carrier.

As for your husband adopting your child that can be achieved by his filing a petition for adoption with the Court and with your consent and service of a copy of same upon the absent father. If the father has failed to abide by his parental obligations in the long term it should be no problem achieving the adoption even if he objects to same, but from what you tell me he probably would not even respond.

I could probably find the father for puroses of serving the papers upon him, using a website available only to lawyers and law enforcement.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

Re: Step Child Adoption

I second what the other attorneys have said. Because the father is MIA, that may or may not be a problem. Having an attorney will make the process go much smoother for you. I suggest calling one of the attorneys on here. I'm only a few minutes away from you so feel free to give me a call at 732/247/3340 and we can discuss your matter over the phone or you can make an appointment to see me. Either way, my consultations are always free.