Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey
May teenagers petition the court to be adopted?
My children's father abandoned us when the boys were a few months old. He has not seen them since they were in first grade. Recently, my new husband asked to adopt my children. My attorney sent my ex a termination of parental rights form, which he refused to sign. May the children themselves take action to be adopted? Is there any other way my ex's rights may be terminated?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: May teenagers petition the court to be adopted?
No, the proposed adoptive parent makes the application with the consent of the parent who wants the adoption. If there is an objection from the parent whose parental rights are to be terminated, then the Court must decide whether or not the termination and then adoption should take place. Keep in mind that this advice is given based on the scanty information that you have provided to me. And no one can rely on the advice of an attorney who has not been retained. Before you do anything on your own, you should consult with an attorney. Best of luck. Rob Gleaner
Re: May teenagers petition the court to be adopted?
A judge may find that your children's father has abandoned his parental rights in a contested adoption proceeding; terminate the father's parental rights and allow your new husband to replace your former husband as your children's father by adopting them. You should call me at 800 273 7933 to make an appointment for a consultation. You can visit my website by clicking on www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com
Re: May teenagers petition the court to be adopted?
Under the statute as it now stands, and based upon the limited information provided, the following:
Assuming that the father has not acted consistent with parenting, which would include failing to pay child support, it would generally be a simple matter to secure a stepparent adoption, even over the vehement objection of the birth father.
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