At Law Offices of Steven P. Monaghan, we are passionate about providing trusted legal assistance for people who wish to grow or a start a family. While the adoption process can be complex and time-consuming, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever go through. When you work with our firm, we will get to know you on a personal level, and obtain a complete understanding of your unique situation. We will educate you on the adoption process, go over all of your options, and provide you with the counsel you need to make well-informed decisions. Whether you are seeking a stepparent, grandparent, independent, or other type of adoption, we can provide the supportive legal guidance you need to ensure your process goes as smoothly as possible. Call (732) 876-9326 today to learn more!
Dedicated to Helping Families Grow
Adoption Lawyer
Nothing is more important than family, and we provide the legal guidance you need to ensure your adoption process is as seamless as possible.
Begin with a Consultation-
Experience
With experience helping countless clients obtain their ultimate family goals, we know what it takes to help you achieve your adoption goals as well.
-
Dedication
We truly enjoy changing the lives of the people we work with and are dedicated to doing all we can to help each client obtain the results they need.
-
Passion
Our professionals genuinely care about every single client we work with and are passionate about doing our part to make their dreams become realities.
Adoption Attorney
Dedicated to Turning Parental Dreams Into Realities – (732) 876-9326
Types of Adoptions
When it comes to adopting a child, there are many options, and it is important to be aware of all your options before making a final decision. Our firm can educate and help you determine which option is the best one for you and your family.
-
Adult Adoption
-
Independent Adoption
-
International Adoption
-
Relative / Kinship Adoption
-
Same Sex Adoption
-
Stepparent Adoption
You May Be Wondering...
-
Questions
-
What requirements must I meet to adopt?
Answer
There is an extensive application process and a number of requirements that must be met to adopt. For example, you must be at least 18 years of age. While you do not have to own a home, you must have adequate space available for a child, and you must be able to meet your household needs.
-
How long does the adoption process take?
Answer
The adoption process consists of two different stages, preplacement and postplacement. All adoptions have a preplacement waiting period, which will vary based on the type of child being adopted. While a U.S. domestic adoption typically takes about 12 months, the adoption of a healthy infant could take between 2 and 7 years. Postplacement occurs after the child has been placed in his or her new home, and consists of an agency supervising your family for a legally-mandated amount of time before finalization occurs.
-
Are adoption and guardianship different?
Answer
An adoptive parent assumes the legal rights and responsibilities for a child, which are the same rights and responsibilities held for parents of children who are born to them. A guardian assumes responsibility for a child only until the time he or she turns 18, is not classified as the child’s legal parent, and does not assume all legal rights and responsibilities of the child.
-
How do I know which type of adoption is best for me?
Answer
Every family is different, and has unique needs and goals. Each family is looking for the adoption process that will best suit their specific lifestyle. When you work with our firm, we will get an understanding of your goals, observe your home life, evaluate your unique needs, and determine the process that is best for your situation.
-
Steven P. Monaghan
Board-Certified Matrimonial Law Expert
Steven P. Monaghan, a highly respected divorce lawyers, focuses his practice exclusively in this area, including handling litigation, collaborative matters, and mediation, and has been Certified by the New Jersey Supreme in Matrimonial Law since 2006. This certification is awarded only to attorneys who have demonstrated their skill and achievement in matrimonial law.
With 23 years of experience, Mr. Monaghan has a proven dedication to the law and helping families. He has served on the Monmouth County Family Law Committee and has also been a private arbitrator for the Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel Program for 16 years and is a qualified mediator participating in the Mediation Program for Economic Aspects of Family Law since the program began. He has been appointed as Guardian Ad Litem for children of families going through litigation and has been trusted to resolve hundreds of high conflict cases before litigation.
-
Kristin S. Pallonetti
Attorney
Kristin S. Pallonetti, Esq. is one of the top family law attorneys in the area. In 2014 she was named one of the Top Young Attorneys in New Jersey by Super Lawyers Rising Stars. She was again named by Super Lawyers as a New Jersey Rising Star in 2015.
She has an active family law trial practice, and she has tried numerous cases, including cases that involve domestic violence, alimony cohabitation, child support, parenting time, custody, and enforcement of support and custody orders. Before embarking on her private practice, Ms. Pallonetti completed a judicial law clerkship with the Honorable Eugene A. Iadanza, A.J.S.C., former presiding Judge of Monmouth and Mercer Counties, where her focus as a clerk was in the area of family and juvenile law. She also served as a Court Mediator for the Special Civil Division under the supervision of the Honorable Lisa P. Thorton, JA.J.S.C. where she mediated countless cases.
Ms. Pallonetti's prior legal experience also included a clerkship at the New Haven County Court where she aided victims of domestic violence in file temporary restraining orders. She also served in clerkship with the firm Campbell, Foley, Lee, Murphy & Cernigliaro in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and a clerkship with the Law Offices of Erskine D. McIntosh in Hamden, Connecticut.
Ms. Pallonetti graduated Cum Laude from Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and a minor in English in 2003. She received her Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2008 where she was the Executive VP of the Mock Trial Honor Society, recipient of the Sappern Fellowship, Admissions Ambassador for the law school and a member in both the Family Law and Constitutional Law Societies.
-
Jessica L. Berg
Attorney
Divorce Attorney Jessica L. Berg practices exclusively in matrimonial law at the Law Office of Steven P. Monaghan, LLC. Since graduating Widener University School of Law, where she received recognition for her volunteer and pro bono work, she gained valuable experience working at a firm that solely handled family law matters, as well as experience with the non-profit group, the Community Health Law Project, that assists disabled individuals with matrimonial and civil law issues. Ms. Berg also worked with the Delaware Civil Clinic and was certified by the Supreme Court of Delaware to handle and litigate cases involving obtaining protection or restraining orders for those harmed by domestic violence and abuse.
Why Choose Our Firm?
Clients First. Quality Always.
-
30+ Years of Combined Experience
-
Thousands of Cases Handled
-
Exclusively Practicing Family Law
-
Certified by the Supreme Court of NJ
-
Complimentary, In-Person Consultations