Can my stepchild keep their current last name after adoption in New Jersey?

Yes, absolutely. Keeping the child's current last name is a completely valid option in New Jersey. There is no requirement to change the name as part of the adoption.

Your options:

1. Keep current last name — the adoption changes the legal parent, not the name
2. Change to your last name — most common choice
3. Hyphenate — combine the current and new last names
4. Change first and/or middle name — also an option if desired

Why some families keep the current name:

• The child is older and strongly identifies with their name
• The child specifically requests to keep it
• Honoring the biological parent's family (especially if deceased)
• Avoiding confusion with school records, friends, etc.
• The child plans to change it later on their own terms

How it works in New Jersey:

• In the Petition for Adoption, you specify the child's name after adoption
• If keeping the current name, you simply enter the same name
• The Superior Court approves it as part of the adoption order
• The new birth certificate from New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics and Registration will list the current name with your name as the parent

There is zero pressure either way. This is a personal family decision. Many families discuss it with the child before deciding.

Cost: $349 regardless of name choice | Start at stepparentadoption360.com/portal/register