Adoption vs. An Embryo Donation

The Pros of Cons of Embryo Donation

In vitro fertilization has become far more common in recent years, which has given rise to a corresponding increase in embryo donations. The couples who choose IVF desperately want to have children, and many of them choose to donate their unused embryos to help others in the same predicament. Embryo donation remains fairly rare compared to adoption, but there are several reasons why prospective parents might find it an attractive option.

Embryo Donation Is Less Expensive Than Adoption

The adoption process can be grueling for prospective parents, and it can also be financially draining. The cost of adopting a child in the United States is usually between $15,000 and $40,000 when an agency is involved, and not all of this money is refunded if the adoption does not go through. Embryo donations often involve couples who know each other, so the only costs they face are fees charged by IVF clinics. Embryo donation agencies have started to appear, but the fees they charge are much lower than the costs of traditional adoption.

Embryo Donation Is Faster Than Adoption

The conventional adoption process can be particularly hard on couples that hope to adopt an infant. Couples wishing to adopt a newborn baby face a wait of at least two years, and couples who are open to adopting toddlers face waits almost as long. Thousands of embryos available for donation are being stored in IVF clinics all over the country, which means the wait times for prospective parents who choose this approach are usually measured in months rather than years.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Most of the couples who pursue traditional adoptions would prefer to get pregnant and have a baby naturally if they could. Embryo donation allows couples to enjoy this life experience, and it also gives them a level of control over the pregnancy that they would not have in adoption. When a child is adopted, the new parents can never be completely sure that the birth mother acted responsibly when she was pregnant.

The Risks of Embryo Donation

Speed, affordability, and the chance to experience pregnancy can all make embryo donation an attractive alternative to adoption for couples who want children but cannot conceive, but there are also risks to consider. Not all pregnancies go smoothly, and there is no guarantee that an embryo donation will lead to a live birth. With an adoption, prospective parents can expect a healthy child to be waiting for them at the end of the process.

Donated Genetic Material

Couples may choose donated sperm or eggs as an alternative to embryo donation. Embryo donation may seem the more attractive option because the donated embryos will be healthy, but there will only be a limited number available. Donated sperm and eggs are easier to acquire, and they may also cost less than healthy embryos.

Legal Issues

The growing popularity of embryo donation has raised a few legal issues. Prospective parents in states like New Jersey where embryos are considered property should make sure that both parents consent to the donation, and the enforceability of embryo donation contracts is far from certain in some parts of the country. If you have questions about any of these issues, a New Jersey adoption lawyer may provide you with guidance.

Helping Couples Who Want Children

The experienced family law attorneys at Cofsy & Zeidman have helped hundreds of couples to experience the joy of welcoming children into their homes. If you are thinking about embryo donation but have some questions, you should speak with one of our New Jersey adoption lawyers with experience in this area. To schedule a free consultation, you can either call our main Haddonfield office at (856) 429-5005 or use our online form. We also have offices in Woodbury and Philadelphia.

How A SCOTUS Ruling May Affect Native American Adoptions

SCOTUS Expected to Rule on Native American Adoptions

A lawsuit that has reached the U.S. Supreme Court may change the law surrounding the ability for people to adopt Native American children. In the U.S., upwards of 135,000 children are adopted every year. If you’d like to file for an adoption, our New Jersey adoption attorney can help protect your legal rights and understand what the adoption process entails.

The Indian Child Welfare Act and the Lawsuit Against It

In early November, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Haaland v. Brackeen, which is a series of cases that aim to have the Indian Child Welfare Act overturned. This law was officially enacted in 1978 and was designed to reduce the number of Native children who were being separated from family members. The law also provides tribal nations with a say in any child welfare case that involves a child associated with a federally recognized tribe.

Currently, this law has placement preferences that provide the child’s extended family with priority when it comes to adoption. The child’s tribe and other Native families also have priority over non-Native individuals. This case was brought forth by a white couple living in Texas who had difficulties adopting a child from the Navajo tribe that they were previously fostering.

Along with other foster parents throughout Texas, the couple states that the Indian Child Welfare Act puts them in last place to adopt Native children, which they believe is a form of racial discrimination. Before the Indian Child Welfare Act was enacted, thousands of children ended up being removed from their homes to go to boarding schools in an attempt to make them become more accustomed to white American society. In this situation, these children were unable to maintain their culture and speak the languages that their tribes spoke.

This problem was further exacerbated when the federal government created the Indian Adoption Project, which centered around placing Native children in white homes. Because of the almost immediate erosion of culture and language within the Native communities, Congress made the decision to pass the Indian Child Welfare Act to make sure that Native children were able to keep their connections to their communities.

What Opponents of the Law Say

Opponents of this law are mainly conservative organizations like the Goldwater Institute. They argue that this law imposes standards that make it much more difficult for Native children to get into stable homes with people who will love them.

At the moment, there are a large number of Native children in foster care, which critics of the aforementioned law believe is the result of there not being enough Native homes to place these children in.

While many Native children are placed in foster care, this arrangement is meant to be a temporary one. The primary goal of this process is to eventually have the child reunite with their parent or find a home that best suits them. Keep in mind that the Indian Child Welfare Act contains some exceptions for the permanent placement of Native children.

The proponents of this law state that the guidelines mentioned in the Indian Child Welfare Act are just preferences that still provide non-Native families with the means to adopt Native children. In most cases, the judge overseeing the adoption process has discretion over what the result of the case is. Some of the plaintiffs also state that this law is racist since it gives preference to Native relatives and Native families as opposed to non-Native individuals.

How Tribal Nations Have Responded

Representatives of many tribal nations state that the Indian Child Welfare Act is necessary to protect their future and the future of their government. In the event that the Supreme Court rules that Native American tribes are racial groups as opposed to political entities, the law would be considered unconstitutional. Tribal nations fear that the legal standing for their tribal sovereignty would then be in question.

The plaintiffs have also argued that the U.S. Congress overreached when they created the Indian Child Welfare Act, which tribal nations believe could make it easier for Title 25 of the U.S. Code to be disputed. Title 25 is a portion of the law that centers around Native Indians and tribes.

If you’re thinking about adoptiion, having an experienced attorney by your side should simplify the process and help you navigate any hurdles that arise. Call our New Jersey adoption attorney today at (856) 429-5005 to schedule an appointment at our Haddonfield office.

Traditional vs. Gestational Surrogacy

What Are the Differences Between Traditional and Gestational Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a way for people with certain fertility struggles to still experience the joys of parenthood. It involves both the surrogate who carries the child and the parent or parents who will raise the child.

While the surrogacy process looks fairly similar from case to case, there are actually two different types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. Here, we’ll explore the key differences between these two types of surrogacy so that you can better understand which one may be right for your family.

What Is Traditional Surrogacy?

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is also the biological mother of the child she carries. The child will carry the genetic material of the surrogate and the intended father. This typically occurs through artificial insemination.

Before the advent of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), traditional surrogacy was the only type of surrogacy available. Now, traditional surrogacy only accounts for a small percentage of surrogacy cases. If you are interested in this type of surrogate pregnancy, you may want to speak with a New Jersey adoption attorney about any potential legal complications, such as parenthood disputes.

What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not the biological mother of the child. Rather, she is simply carrying the child for the intended parents. The child will only carry the genetic material of the intended parents.

This is accomplished through IVF, in which the egg of the intended mother (or an egg donor) is fertilized with the sperm of the intended father (or a sperm donor). The embryo is then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus, and the surrogate will then carry the pregnancy to term.

Gestational surrogacy has become the preferred type of surrogacy as it allows the intended mother to still have a biological connection to her child. It also allows for more control over the process and eliminates many of the emotional and legal complications that could arise from traditional surrogacy. However, legal issues have arisen in many gestational surrogacy cases, so it is still a good idea to speak with a lawyer if you are considering this type of method.

Which Option Is Right for Your Family?

The type of surrogacy that is right for your family will come down to a number of different factors, including personal preference and the particular reason for pursuing surrogacy in the first place.

Traditional surrogacy is often pursued when the intended mother has struggled to conceive with her own eggs. If the surrogate is a close friend or relative of the intended parents, traditional surrogacy may also be the preferred option.

When there is not an egg quality issue, gestational surrogacy is often pursued when the intended mother is unable to carry a child herself. This could be due to a medical condition, such as endometriosis, or because she does not have a uterus. However, if you are interested in using another woman’s eggs to conceive, either gestational or traditional surrogacy may be an option.

Final Thoughts

While both types of surrogacy aim to end with the intended parents taking home a healthy baby, the method of accomplishing that goal varies greatly between traditional and gestational surrogacy.

If you are leaning towards any type of surrogacy, it’s important that you do your research to ensure that it’s the right decision for your family. Each type of surrogacy can have its own legal, financial, and emotional complexities. You’ll want to be sure that you understand all of the potential risks and rewards before moving forward.

One way to learn more about surrogacy is to speak with a New Jersey adoption attorney who is well-versed in surrogacy matters. They will be able to answer any questions you have about the legalities of the process and help you determine whether either type of surrogacy is the right path for your family. Get started with your surrogacy journey by contacting Cofsy & Zeidman at (856) 429-5005 today. We are located in the Camden County borough of Haddonfield.

Telling Your Child That They Were Adopted

How to Tell Your Child That They Were Adopted

When your child asks where they came from, it’s important to be honest with them about their adoption. Here are a few tips on how to have that conversation.

The Importance of an Honest Conversation

Early disclosure about your child’s adoption is essential for their sense of self-esteem. It shows your child that their caregivers are trustworthy and can be counted on to give them accurate information, which helps to foster a strong attachment bond.

This will serve them well as they navigate their way through the challenges and transitions of adolescence and adulthood. When children are raised to believe that they can trust their caregivers, they will be more trustworthy and receptive to other people, which will set them up for success in all areas of their lives.

In contrast, when adoptees learn the truth in late childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, they often feel an overwhelming sense of betrayal. The adoption itself is not what hurts; it’s the sense that their parents were not honest with them about their origin and identity. This can be a trauma that takes a lifetime to heal.

When to Start Talking to Your Child About Their Adoption

To avoid the potential for this type of trauma, it’s best to start talking about your child’s adoption as early as possible. This applies even if you adopted your child as an infant.

In many cases, there is no need to sit down for a formal “talk.” You can simply integrate information about their adoption into your everyday conversations. For example, you can begin by simply using the word “adoption” in a sentence when you’re talking about your family.

You can also read books about adoption with your child. There are many great children’s books that explain the concept of adoption in a way that is developmentally appropriate. This can help to normalize the experience for your child and give them a starting point for asking questions.

Once your child is old enough to understand the concept, you can have more in-depth conversations about their adoption, allowing your child to set the pace. You can share with them as much or as little information as you feel comfortable with. It’s important to be honest and open but also to respect your child’s need for privacy and space to process this information. If they have any legal concerns about their adoption, you can also help them work with a New Jersey adoption lawyer.

How to Tell Your Child That They Were Adopted

If you have not talked about your child’s adoption with them before, it’s never too late to start. When you’re ready to have the conversation, sit down with your child and explain that you want to talk about how they came into your family. Avoid immediately jumping into a discussion of their birth parents. Instead, focus on how much you love them and how grateful you are that they are part of your family.

There is no one “right” way to tell your child that they were adopted. The most important thing is to be honest and open. You can also tailor your approach to fit your child’s individual personality and needs.

Some adopted children prefer to receive all of the information about their adoption up front. Others prefer to gradually learn more over time. There is no wrong way to do this as long as you are respecting your child’s wishes.

What to Do if Your Child Is Struggling With Their Adoption

It’s normal for adoptees to experience a range of emotions about their adoption. These emotions can range from positive to negative and can change over time. Some common emotions that adopted children may feel include grief, loss, anger, shame, and guilt. It’s important to allow your child to express these emotions and validate their feelings.

If your child is struggling with their adoption, there are many resources available to help. You can talk to your child’s doctor or therapist or contact an adoption support group. You may also want to work with a New Jersey adoption lawyer if there are legal issues that need to be addressed. For example, if your child is over the age of 18, they may have the right to access their original birth certificate.

An experienced New Jersey adoption attorney can help you navigate these complicated legal issues and protect your family’s rights. Contact the Haddonfield office of Cofsy & Zeidman today at (856) 429-5005 to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help.

All About the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption

How Can You Adopt a Child From a Treaty Country?

The Hague Adoption Convention allows American families to adopt children from other countries. The convention simultaneously protects children from trafficking, exploitation and other abuses. Families looking to adopt a child from a Hague country must meet certain criteria to ensure that the child will be safe in their new homes.

What Is The Hague Adoption Convention?

The Hague Convention is short for the “Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.” It was created in 1993 in the Netherlands as an international law to protect children during international adoption and is one of many laws by the Convention.

When prospective parents wish to adopt a child through intercountry adoption, they are required to meet certain criteria. The Hague Convention aims to match children with the best potential families.

What Are the Benefits of Adopting a Child from a Hague Country?

Certain countries are considered Hague-accredited. When a child is available for adoption from one of those countries, families in their birth country have first priority to offer them a home. However, if it’s impossible for these children to be adopted in their home countries, American families can adopt them as long as they meet certain criteria.

There are notable benefits of adopting a child from a Hague country. Adoption through The Hague Adoption Convention offers families more resources. There is a specific established process in place for adoption and decisions are made quickly so that families know whether they have the opportunity to adopt. The family is also provided with all medical and social information about the child they plan on adopting. They also get access to an international adoption doctor.

Children get to benefit by being adopted by loving families. Through Hague Convention adoption, children are also able to be protected against potential trafficking.

What Is the Criteria for Adopting a Child from a Hague Country?

Prospective parents wishing to adopt a child from a Hague country must meet strict requirements. A New Jersey adoption attorney can assist you with information to help the process along. The following requirements should be met:

• Prospective parents must be United States citizens who live in the U.S.
• Those adopting as a couple must both sign Form I-800A.
• Prospective parents who are unmarried must be at least 24 years old upon signing Form I-800A and 25 when filing Form I-800.

In addition to these basic requirements, you must also meet the criteria required from the country from which you wish to adopt. All countries have their own set of rules including the age of prospective parents, marital status of the parents, sexual orientation of the parents and age difference between the parents and child.

Parents are also required to take a 10-hour pre-adoption course for adopting a child from a Hague Convention country. This helps to educate parents on the child’s history and special needs. For example, some children have a history of trauma.

How Does the Adoption Process Work?

When you decide to go with intercountry adoption through a Hague country, there are three sets of laws to follow: United States federal law, state law and the laws of the child’s country of origin. Parents wishing to adopt should expect the process to take one to four years depending on the situation and country. However, the adoption process may take even longer in some circumstances. A New Jersey adoption attorney can help make the process as smooth as possible.

There are eligibility criteria for children from Hague countries being adopted. The following must be in place for adoption to be possible:

• The child is younger than 16 when Form I-800 is filed or under 18 and a sibling of a child younger than 16 who has been or will be adopted by the same parents.
• The child will be adopted by a married couple where both spouses are at least 25 years old and at least one spouse is a U.S. citizen who has resided in the U.S. and the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) has found that couple suitable to adopt.
• The Central Authority of the child’s home country has determined that the child is eligible for intercountry adoption and has proposed placement that was accepted but the child hasn’t yet been placed in custody.
• The child’s birth parent or parents or other legal guardian has given consent to the adoption and agreed to terminate their parental or guardianship rights.
• The child’s birth parents are considered incapable of caring for the child if they signed the consent form to give up the child for adoption.

If you live in New Jersey or Pennsylvania and are interested in adopting internationally through The Hague Convention, contact one of the New Jersey adoption attorneys at Cofsky & Zeidman by calling us (856) 429-5005 at your earliest convenience.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child?

The Costs of Adoption: What to Expect

The cost of adoption varies depending on the type and the specifics of your situation. While it may be possible for a public adoption to cost less than $1,000, you can’t always rely on that figure. In some cases, the expenses associated with adopting a child might be in excess of $50,000 when all is said and done.

Adoption is often a costly and drawn-out process, but there’s a good reason for that. These hurdles are partly in place to make sure that the people who end up being approved are genuinely committed to the role of parenting these children in need.

Allow for More Costs Than You Expect

It’s likely that your emotions will be tried just about as much as your finances. No matter what, you should expect the process to take a significant amount of time.

It’s a good idea to set aside more funds than you think you’ll need and give yourself plenty of time. You don’t want this to be a stressful process for the child, your partner, or other family members – not to mention yourself.

There are different types of adoption, each one with its own costs and resultant price range. It’s helpful if you know what to expect from each and learn which one is right for your situation ahead of time. This will allow you to handle everything more smoothly, avoiding wasted time and money while ensuring the best possible outcome.

Help Is Out There

If you’re feeling overwhelmed already, it may help to remember that you don’t have to cover all the costs yourself. Adopting a child is a major endeavor, and trying to handle everything alone often turns into an exercise in futility.

Luckily, it’s easier than ever to reach out for help nowadays. You’d be surprised by all the places you can find it and how many people are willing to pitch in. Numerous parents have utilized online fundraisers to pay for the myriad adoption expenses. Grants and personal loans are also viable options.

Adopting Through Public Welfare

A public agency adoption is one route you can take if you’re working with a tight budget. You’ll start off as a foster parent when adopting through the public welfare system.

There’s a specific agency for each state that’s in charge of placing foster children with adoptive families. These agencies are responsible for distributing licenses, overseeing kids’ education, and providing support when it’s needed.

The benefit of adopting through foster care is that it saves a substantial amount of money when you compare it to other adoption options. You can usually cover all associated costs of adopting a child this way with $1,000 or less because foster adoptions come through the help of federal programs that provide assistance to foster families. These are programs meant to entice adoptive parents because, sadly, foster care kids have often already passed the “prime” age for adoption.

The foster care system is also full of kids who have had difficult experiences and likely suffered trauma because of them, or they may have a disability that requires special care. There will be more obstacles to overcome than most children face, and the adoptive parents will need to step up in every possible way to facilitate that.

If you think adopting a child through the foster care system is right for you, many helpful resources may be found through the Children’s Bureau, which is a federal agency. This is where you can find a trove of information on adoption-related topics and reliable assistance to guide you through the process. The Children’s Bureau also breaks things down for every state, so you’ll know you’re looking at the guidelines that are relevant to you.

Independent and Private Adoptions

Other options include private and independent adoption. With private, it’s up to the parents to find an attorney or work directly with the adoption agency that they choose. Either way, the process is similar. A home study, placement, counseling, training, and legal documentation are the steps that comprise this route to adoption.

But the price isn’t always consistent going directly through the adoption agency. It may be as low as $30,000 and as high as $60,000, leaving considerable room for uncertainty in the middle. For independent, on the other hand, you might want to retain a New Jersey adoption lawyer.

The obstacles between potential adoptive parents and children are there in part to make sure they’re in it for the long haul. It’s a way of verifying not just that they are fit to be parents – they also have to be the right fit for this particular child.

If you’re trying to figure out adoption and feel lost, you are not alone. Help is out there, so give us a call today at (856) 429-5005 for a New Jersey adoption lawyer or request a consultation with Donald Cofsky.

International Adoptions and the Hague Adoption Convention

How the Hague Adoption Convention Shapes Intercountry Adoptions

The United States welcomes more children through intercountry adoption each year than any other nation in the world. In fact, since 1999, more than 250,000 international adoptions have been finalized in the U.S. It can be a complicated process that requires representation of an attorney skilled in international adoptions, but the Hague Adoption Convention has formalized that process and gives the adopting parents peace of mind that the child is not exploited and has been protected.

Hague Adoption Convention

The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption is an international agreement to formalize international adoptions and protect the children involved. This convention is often referred to as the Hague Adoption Convention for short and not just the Hague Convention as to differentiate it from the pre-War World I series of treaties that were the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907. The U.S. signed the Hague Adoption Convention in 1994.

How the Hague Convention Protects Children

The Convention requires that all participating countries establish a Central Authority. The Department of State serves as the U.S. Central Authority. These centralized authorities are in place to vet prospective adoptions and ensure that the child has not been abducted, sold or trafficked. An authority also ensures that a child is eligible for international adoption according to local laws and that the necessary measures have been taken to find a home for the child in its country of origin.

U.S. Convention Process

Not all adoption agencies are eligible to provide services related to an intercountry adoption in the U.S. An agency must either be accredited or approved on the federal level. This ensures the adopting parents that they are dealing with an Accrediting Entity or what is known as an Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity, Inc. or IAAME in the language of the convention. An Accrediting Entity is evaluated on an ongoing basis and is not in violation of any professional or ethical practices.

U.S. Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000

Adherence to the Hague Adoption Convention has been a complex and time-intensive endeavor for all participating countries. In the U.S., it was implemented through the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000. The IAA, for instance, implemented the rules and regulations for accrediting entities. It also requires the Department of State to verify that each intercountry adoption completed in the U.S. is in accordance with convention regulations and then issue a certificate from the Secretary of State.

Universal Accreditation Act of 2012

The Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 expanded federal regulation in the U.S. It specifically extended the oversight and ongoing monitoring of approved and accredited adoption services within the U.S. It also extended all safeguards defined by the convention to nonparticipating countries. This means that U.S. adoption agencies must oversee all international adoptions as convention adoptions, even if the child is from a country that did not agree to the convention.

Post Adoption

Adoptions in general are often complex. Intercountry adoptions can be even more so. Parents adopting in New Jersey are encouraged to hire a New Jersey adoption lawyer to help them navigate the process. Even after you receive the child’s Hague Adoption Certificate or Hague Custody Certificate from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, there is still much to do. You must acquire U.S. citizenship for the child so that the child is not subject to deportation and will have access to all privileges with age, such college scholarships and the right to work and vote. Depending on the country of origin, you may also have post-adoption and post-placement reporting responsibilities.

Are You Considering an International Adoption?

If you are considering an international adoption and live in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, the Law Office of Cofsky & Zeidman, LLC, is here to help. New Jersey adoption lawyer Donald C. Cofsky has personally overseen more than 1,500 adoption cases since joining the bar in 1974. You can contact us online or reach our Haddonfield, NJ office at (856) 429-5005, our Woodbury, New Jersey office at (856) 845-2555 or our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office at (215) 563-2150.

Adoption vs. Legal Guardianship: Which One Is Right for You?

How to Choose Between Adoption and Legal Guardianship

Each year, thousands of children end up with a primary caregiver who is not their biological parent. If you’re caring for a child who is not biologically yours, you have the choice of adopting them or seeking legal guardianship. To figure out whether legal guardianship or adoption will work better for your situation, you need to ask a few questions.

What Responsibilities Does Each Process Give You?

First of all, it can be helpful to consider what each process will mean for your daily life. Both adoptions and legal guardianships come with most of the same duties. You will need to ensure that the child is safe, healthy, happy, and well cared for. Both guardians and adoptive parents must provide a child with food, clothing, shelter, and age-appropriate care. Whether you are a guardian or adoptive parent, you will be able to make medical, financial, and educational decisions on the child’s behalf.

How Long Do You Want Your Responsibilities to Last?

A guardianship is usually a temporary situation. The guardian cares for the child while the parent can’t, but the guardianship is set up to end when the parent asks, after a certain amount of time, or when the child is 18. Though you might still have a parental relationship with the child once guardianship ends, you won’t automatically be considered the child’s family from a legal perspective. Meanwhile, once your New Jersey adoption attorney finalizes your adoption, you are the child’s parent for the rest of their life. This means that your care for your child can extend long past the age of 18. For example, if your adult child gets into an accident at college, their school would contact you as the child’s legal next of kin. To have the same level of involvement in an adult child’s life, a former guardian would need to fill out extra paperwork once the child turned 18.

Do You Want the Other Parents to Still Be Involved?

One of the main differences between guardianship and adoption is what happens to the child’s former parents. In an adoption, the court formally removes the previous parents’ rights and transfers them to you. Meanwhile, in a guardianship situation, the original parents still have their rights. Not only can they make decisions for the child, but they can potentially terminate the guardianship. All of this additional input can be great if you’re a grandparent caring for your grandchild while the parent is working overseas. However, if the biological parent doesn’t provide appropriate care to the child, you might want to seek adoption and ensure the previous parent cannot show up and disrupt the child’s life.

How Much Time Do You Have for Legal Matters?

Guardianships tend to be a much simpler process. You sign a few papers and are able to care for the child. Many guardians never have to go to court, and home studies aren’t usually required. Meanwhile, the adoption process tends to be lengthier. The simplest adoptions tend to be family adoptions where all parties consent, and even then, you usually have to fill out several documents and submit them for the court’s approval. If you adopt through the foster system or through a private adoption agency, things can take even longer. You may need to prepare your home for an inspection, petition the court to remove previous parents’ rights or take other steps to complete the process.

Ultimately, adoption tends to give you most of the same day-to-day responsibilities as a guardianship. However, adoption is more permanent and long-lasting. If you’re still not sure which process would work best for you, talk to a New Jersey adoption attorney. At Cofsky & Zeidman, we’re happy to go over your options and help you find the most effective solution for your family. To schedule a consultation at one of our convenient offices, contact us today. We can be reached by calling 856-429-5005 or by filling out and submitting our online form.

Adopting a Grandchild or Other Relative

Should You Adopt Your Grandchild or a Relative?

“Adoption” can be an intimidating word, and it may not be something that you foresaw in your future. However, your child or your child’s partner may not be in a position to care for your grandchild, forcing you to step in as a responsible caregiver.

Adopting a Grandchild or Relative

Adopting a grandchild can be a long and difficult road, but if your grandchild or relative’s future is at stake, it is a road worth taking. You may have temporary custody, or you may be a legal guardian. However, these roles may not be enough to protect the child’s well-being.

If your child is going through a difficult time and is unable to raise their child, the grandchild may be turned over to you temporarily for a number of reasons including substance abuse, economic hardship, mental issues, or incarceration. Sometimes, though, temporary care can turn into long-term care, especially if your child’s issues are never resolved.

When issues don’t resolve themselves or they become worse and you start to become concerned about your grandchild’s welfare, you may start taking on more parental responsibilities. Sometimes, returning children to their parental home may subject those children to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. There may be drugs involved, or there may be neglect that is ongoing. Other factors may have popped up.

For example, when things like education and health care enter the picture, you may need to make things more permanent and become a legal guardian or go a step further and consider adoption. If you aren’t sure what your options are, it may be a good idea to consult a professional who has deep knowledge of New Jersey family law statutes.

When you are a legal guardian, you will be able to make educational and health decisions for your grandchild. However, the parents still have legal rights. This may be a comfortable middle ground to stay in until your grandchild is an adult. If not, you may want to terminate the legal parental rights, especially if you feel that these rights are endangering the child.

A Relative Entering Foster Care

There may be relatives who have to give up their children to foster care because of difficult circumstances. In cases like this, the Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) in New Jersey will prefer to place the child with a relative — one who preferably knows the child and can minimize the trauma of leaving home. Being adopted by a relative may be in children’s best interest as it lets children keep ties with their birth parents. Plus, children who are adopted by relatives may not feel as cut off from the world that they knew. New Jersey law differs from other states when it comes to adopting a relative. A law firm in New Jersey may be able to help with your questions.

Factors to Consider

Making the decision to adopt a grandchild will alter the rest of your life until they turn 18 years old. There are other factors to consider, and a New Jersey adoption attorney may be able to discuss these factors in more detail. Providing love and comfort to a child in need is one of the most rewarding things that you can do, and it can be a rewarding way to spend a portion of your retirement.

However, if you have retired, you may be living on a fixed income and may not have the financial capability of raising a child. Children and their needs are expensive, and you will need to write out a rough budget of what you think you’ll need over the years. Another detail to consider is your age. You should be able to raise your adopted child until they reach the age of 18, so honestly considering your current and future health prognosis is crucial.

When you need a New Jersey adoption attorney who is familiar with family court and adoptions, contact Cofsky & Zeidman. You can call our main Haddonfield office at (856) 429-5005, or you can call our Woodbury office at (856) 845-2555.

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