The State Police and Division of Youth and Family Services check the plaintiff's fingerprints, as well as anyone over the age of 18 who resides in the house. Police records and any allegations of child abuse are checked. The birth certificate is amended after the final judgment of adoption is entered. The state where the child was born is notified of the adoption and a new birth certificate is issued with the child's adoptive name and adoptive parents. The original birth certificate is sealed and can not be opened without a court order.
Many people choose to re-adopt in New Jersey in order to obtain a New Jersey birth certificate.