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What happens after an entry of a judgment of adoption?

On Behalf of | Nov 9, 2022 | Family Law |

After a New Jersey entry of a judgment of adoption, the adoptee receives a new birth certificate with the adoptive parents’ names. The original birth certificate is sealed and becomes a permanent part of the adoptee’s confidential file. The adoptive parents then have all legal rights and responsibilities of birth parents. The adoptee is considered theirs and is entitled to inherit from them.

Children Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts

In New Jersey, the Children Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts govern adoptions. After a judgment of adoption is entered, the adoptee is considered the child of the adopting parent or parents for all purposes under the law, including inheritance rights. As a result, the biological parent’s rights are terminated, and they are no longer responsible for the child’s support or welfare.

The final judgment of adoption

The final judgment of adoption is the last step in the adoption process. Once the judgment is entered, the adoptive parents are legally responsible for the child. In addition, the child’s birth certificate will be revised to show the adoptive parents’ names, and the child will have a new Social Security number.

The certificate of adoption

The court will issue a certificate of adoption. This certificate is the official document that proves the adoption is legal and final. It is important to keep this certificate safe as it is proof of the adoptee’s relationship to their adoptive parents.

The adopted person’s birth certificate

Once the judgment of adoption is entered, the adopted person’s birth certificate will be amended. The new birth certificate will list the adoptive parents as the child’s parents. The original birth certificate will be sealed and kept confidential.

The impact of adoption on inheritance rights

Adoptees in New Jersey family law have the same inheritance rights as biological children of the adopting parents. This means that they can receive a share of the estate through intestate succession and be named as beneficiaries in a will or trust.

This can have a significant impact on an adoptee’s life. For example, if one of the adoptive parents dies without a will, the adoptee will still inherit a portion of their estate. Additionally, if the adoptee is named as a beneficiary in a will or trust, they will be able to receive their inheritance even if the other parent dies.

This can be extremely important for adoptees dependent on their adoptive parents. It ensures that they will still be taken care of financially, even if something happens to one or both of their parents.

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