At The Durst Firm we do not handle many adoptions. However, it is an aspect of family law. There is a significant change to the NJ adoption law that may impact your life. Privacy rights of the parents(s) placing a child for adoption and the right of the child to know who his or her birth parents may be has been an ongoing conflict. The purpose of this post is not to debate the issue or take sides, but simply to advise of important changes to the law that may impact all sides.
Greater ability to get a birth certificate
Beginning January 1, 2017 the law will be revised so as to allow adoptees and some relatives to obtain a copy of their original birth certificate without a court order. Clearly, the adopted child’s original birth certificate would identify the names of the birth parents.
Maintaining privacy
If the natural parents do not care if they are ultimately discovered, the need to do nothing given the changes in the law. However, if you are a birth parent who wishes to remain anonymous YOU MUST SUBMIT A “REDACTION REQUEST FORM” to the New Jersey Department of Health no later than December 31, 2016. A form can be requested by calling 866-649-8726 ext582.
