New Jersey makes adoption process easier for LGBT parents

Gov. Phil Murphy signed new legislation that will expand adoption access for LGBT parents.

Now, prospective LGBT parents can bypass the lengthy and expensive adoption process. The legislation covers married or civil-union gay and lesbian couples who have used donor eggs to achieve a pregnancy.

The new law exempts qualifying parties from having to obtain a home study, background checks, or an appearance in court for a hearing. It will also make applying for government or legal benefits for their children easier.

The new law streamlines the process for married or civil-union couples to obtain a confirmation of the parentage of a non-biological parent that makes their parentage recognized by all states and countries that might question it.

Non-biological parents include any non-genetic spouse in a marriage or civil union, whether same sex or different sex, including couples where one spouse is transgender.