What is Adoption Day and how do families celebrate in New Jersey?

Adoption Day is the day your adoption is finalized in Superior Court — and many families make it an annual celebration as meaningful as a birthday.

What happens on Adoption Day:

1. You attend the finalization hearing at Superior Court

2. The judge signs the Order of Adoption (typically 15–30 minutes)

3. Many New Jersey judges take photos with the family

4. Some courts provide certificates or small gifts

5. Your family is officially and legally complete!

How families celebrate:

• At the courthouse: Bring family, friends, balloons, matching t-shirts, signs
• After court: Special lunch or dinner at a favorite restaurant
• Gifts: Some families give the child a special adoption day gift
• Annual celebration: Many families celebrate "Adoption Day" every year on the anniversary
• Photos: Document everything — these photos become treasured family memories
• Social media: Many families share the news (with the court's permission for photos)

Tips for making it special:

• Let the child help plan the celebration
• Some families write letters to each other about what the day means
• Create an "adoption book" with photos and memories from the process
• Some courts have Adoption Day events on National Adoption Day (November) with special ceremonies

The finalization hearing is one of the most emotional and joyful days you will ever experience. Families consistently tell us: "It was even better than we imagined."

Start the journey at stepparentadoption360.com/questionnaire.