Do I need a lawyer for my husband to adopt my daughter?

It is advisable to have an attorney represent you through the step-parent adoption process.  There are a number of hurdles that can be challenging to overcome for a person representing herself. To complete the adoption process, the non-custodial, biological parent must relinquish his paternal rights. This means that the non-custodial parent no longer has any legal rights or responsibilities for the child, including child support. The step-parent who adopts the child will thereafter be fully responsible for the child - both financially and legally. To file for step-parent adoption, a number of forms, reports and fees are needed including the following: Complaint, Verification, Consent or Proof of Service, Notice to Natural Parent, Child Abust Clearance, Criminal History Record Information fingerprint background checks and Domestic Violence Registry Check, to name a few. The clearances must be less than 12 months old at the time of the filing of the Complaint. These checks must be performed on the step-parent and on all persons residing in the adoptive applicant's home who are 18 years of age or older, except the natural parent. Adoptions of minor children and adults are filed in Surrogate Court in the county in which you live. Because of the complexity of the adoption process, it is suggested that you obtain an attorney who is familiar with the adoption process. For legal representation you can trust and rely upon for your adoption matter, contact the adoption attorneys at Weinberger Law Group, LLC today for a consultation. Call (888) 888-0919 to schedule a free consultation. You may find the following webpages informative: http://www.weinbergerlawgroup.com/children-parenting/adoption/ http://www.weinbergerlawgroup.com/children-parenting/adoption/step-parents-adoption.aspx http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/rules/r5-10.html http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/atlantic/adoption.html https://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=1762