NJSBA Family Law Section

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  • 1.  Nullifying an Adoption

    Posted 04-22-2013 07:08 AM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussions: Young Lawyers Division and Family Law .
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    Has anyone applied to the Court to nullify an adoption?  If so, would you be willing to speak with me about what you did and your success?  Much appreciated. 

    [email protected] or 908-735-5161 ext. 143.

    Thank you.

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    Diana Fredericks Esq.
    Gebhardt & Kiefer
    Clinton NJ
    (908)735-5161

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  • 2.  RE:Nullifying an Adoption

    Posted 04-22-2013 07:56 AM
    Call me. There is scant case law in NJ, but the standard seems clear that vacating a judgment of adoption, like adoption itself, must be in the child's best interest. All would need factual basis to intelligently comment. ------------------------------------------- Debra Guston Esq. Glen Rock NJ (201)447-6660 -------------------------------------------
    Original Message


  • 3.  RE:Nullifying an Adoption

    Posted 04-22-2013 02:07 PM
    This came up in one of my DYFS appeals and what follows is the little bit of law I found:


    Like any other judgment, an adoption judgment may be vacated under R. 4:50-1, 2, but adoption judgments ought not to be vacated absent very unusual facts and exceptional circumstances and the standard remains the best interest of the child.  In re Adoption of M., 317 N.J. Super. 531 (Ch. Div. 1998), citing In re Adoption of O, 88 N.J. Super. 30, 36 (Cty. Ct. 1965); In re Adoption of G, 89 N.J. Super. 276, 281 (Cty. Ct. 1965); and In re Adoption of Child of Indian Heritage, 111 N.J. 155, 184 (1988). Further, only original parties to the adoption proceeding, would have standing to attack the adoption judgment. See In re Adoption of Baby T, 160 N.J. 332, 341 (1999).

    Hope this helps.

    Clara S. Licata
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    Law Office of
    Clara S. Licata, Esq.
    55 Harristown Rd.
    Suite 302
    Glen Rock, NJ 07452
    201-612-1170
    Fax 201-612-1179
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    Original Message