The state of New Jersey wants to make sure that you are a fit parent to adopt a child. Therefore, there are legal requirements that you have to meet to become an adoptive parent.
Nevertheless, there are many misconceptions about adoption requirements. You may mistakenly believe that they are more stringent than they really are.
What legal requirements do you have to meet?
According to Adopt US Kids, you must be in good health, physically and emotionally, to adopt a child. You must also be able to support yourself and your family financially.
There are also age requirements to adopt a child in New Jersey. You have to be at least 18 years of age, and you have to be at least 10 years older than the child you intend to adopt. For example, if you are 20 years old, you cannot adopt a child any older than 10.
What are not legal requirements to adopt a child?
You do not have to be part of a married couple to adopt a child. According to the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, you can adopt a child as a single person or as part of a married couple, civil union or domestic partnership. While you have to be able to support yourself and your family financially, you do not have to make a certain amount of money. You do not have to own a home to adopt a child; you can rent living accommodations and still become an adoptive parent.
To ensure your fitness as an adoptive parent, you and your household have to undergo a home study.