Work with Qualified Adoption Professionals
Work only with authorized agencies and attorneys with expertise in the specific type of adoption you wish to pursue. The Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA) website is a good starting point
What To Do
Become “Adoption Ready”
- New York – If you intend to pursue private placement adoption, you will have to be certified as a qualified adoptive parent by a Family or surrogate’s court
- New Jersey – You must become “home study approved” by an agency licensed to provide adoption services by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
Learn About The Adoption Tax Credit
THIS IS A WONDERFUL BENEFIT! You may be eligible for an adoption tax credit to reimburse you for money spent on qualifying expenses (up to $12,970 in 2013). Qualifying expenses include reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees and traveling expenses.
Tell Everyone!
You never know how you may learn of a child to be adopted. The more people who know that you plan to adopt, the better.
Be Informed
Ask questions. Do research. Read about adoption in books, magazines and on trustworthy websites. Reputable Adoption Support Groups can assist you to determine the path to adoption that best suits to your needs.
What to avoid
- Payments to facilitators are illegal in both New York and New Jersey.
Facilitators are unlicensed agencies or individuals who charge a fee to match you with birth parents.
- THE TRUTH IS…
- Adoption does NOT have to be expensive.
- Adoption does NOT have to take years.
- Healthy newborns CAN be adopted in the U.S.
- Adoption is possible for ALL types of families.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)also referred to a Collaborative Reproduction or Third Party Reproduction, refers to medical treatments for infertility including ovum/sperm/embryo donation and gestational surrogacy.
Work with Qualified Professional
Assisted Reproductive Technology provides a wonderful alternative way to build or expand your family. However, this is an area where science has outpaced the law and the law is in many instances still evolving and uncertain. The guidance of an attorney with expertise in this area is essential to protect your rights and interests.
Ovum, Sperm, Embryo donation Agreements
Rumbold & Seidelman, LLP is experienced in representing donors and recipients in ovum, sperm and embryo donation agreements. A well crafted agreement should address issues such as relinquishment of parental rights, confidentiality, compensation, expenses, insurance coverage and updating medical information.
Gestational Surrogacy
In New York and New Jersey there is no legal prohibition against a woman acting as a Gestational Carrier for Intended parents, provided she only receives legally permissible expenses. Even if no fees are involved, there are still important legal issues to confront. Since New York and New Jersey do not allow for binding Surrogacy Agreements, Rumbold & Seidelman, LLP will assist you to obtain legal recognition of your parental status.
Laws governing parentage of children born through ART vary dramatically by state.
Take steps to ensure that your legal rights to the child conceived thorough ART are protected.
Educate yourself regarding the long term ramifications of your family building choices.