First, NJ has an inheritance tax that taxes gifts based on the nature of the relationship between the deceased and people inheriting. You, as a...

Yes, if a Will has been submitted to probate, a copy can be requested from the county surrogate's court where it was filed. There will be a fee for...

Most cemeteries are either privately owned or owned by religious organizations or societies. You will need to determine who owns and manages the...

No one can voluntarily have their name removed as a parent on a birth certificate unless their rights are being terminated by an adoption to...

I am not clear on the facts. If the "surrogate" in Columbia is the genetic mother and you are a father and a US citizen, that is one scenario. If...

This would be considered a private placement adoption and the court would appoint an adoption agency to conduct a shorter-form home study. You...

Everyone is entitled to an attorney of their own choice and so, yes, a birth mother should choose her own lawyer. It is common for people in...

Your question poses a lot of legal issues - primarily, who is entitled to the estate's assets and doe any agreement create a legal issue for you as...

At 18 a person is considered an adult in New Jersey. Many families continue to provide fr a young adult until after that date if they are in need...

Once an adoption has been finalized, the birth parents' rights are terminated and the adoptive parents have all of the same rights, obligation AND...