Adoption

If you were born in New Jersey and you were adopted, there are state laws that allow you to obtain certain information about your birth and biological parents. Finding out this information was not always simple. In 1940, the New Jersey government enacted laws that required the original birth certificates of children adopted on or after […]

As our country observes National Adoption Month in November, this year we’re also celebrating an exciting new law that allows adopted individuals to obtain information about their birth. For the first time since 1984, people born in Pennsylvania who were adopted have the right to receive their original birth certificate at age 18. Effective November […]

Considerations for Adoption Later in Life Adoption is a part of family law that doesn’t always see the limelight. But it should—adoption is a wonderful way to expand a family and to provide children with a loving home. I was recently approached by a woman who asked whether she could still adopt a child at […]

Even before I met you, my child, I knew I loved you.

You are already related to the child you love, but you are not his or her biological parent. Whether you are that child’s grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative, you have a family bond. You would do anything to protect the child. But as you raise him or her as your own, there may be […]

You have decided that your child should be put up for adoption at birth. You are confident in your decision and you are not looking to discuss whether or not it is the right one. You Still Need a Lawyer Even if you are no longer deciding whether or not adoption is the right choice, […]

Before you can move forward with the adoption of a child, the child’s biological parents’ rights must be legally terminated. This can be done in one of two ways. Either the biological parents can voluntarily terminate their legal rights or their rights can be involuntarily terminated. The process, of course, becomes more complicated if the […]

The Family Courthouse at 1801 Vine Street in Philadelphia is a place families mostly want to avoid at all costs.