State Regulation of Adoption Expenses
State-Specific Search Results

New Jersey

Birth Parent Expenses Allowed

Statute:
§ 9:3-39.1(e)

Medical, hospital, counseling, and other expenses connected with the birth.
Reasonable living expenses.

Attorney fees and legal costs.

Religious, psychological, or vocational counseling during the pregnancy.

Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed

Statute:
§ 9:3-39.1(e)
Payments for expenses cannot extend beyond 4 weeks after the termination of the pregnancy, by birth or otherwise.


Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption

Statute:
§ 9:3-39.1(a)
Only an approved agency or person may offer to place or materially assist in the placement of a child for adoption.


Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child

Statute:
§ 9:3-39.1(c), (d)
The decision to place a child for adoption cannot be contingent upon payment of expenses.
Payments made are non-refundable.


Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency

Statute:
§ 9:3-48
In a non-agency adoption, all expenses and fees for the investigation and any counseling provided shall be the responsibility of the adopting parent.
The costs of all proceedings shall be borne by the petitioner.


Accounting of Expenses Required by Court

Statute:
§ 9:3-55
A detailed report, signed and verified, shall be filed with the court that discloses all sums of money or other valuable consideration paid.