reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:14A-1 - Report of deaf children under six years; care and treatment; notice to commissioner of education

9:14A-1. Report of deaf children under six years; care and treatment; notice to commissioner of education
It shall be the duty of every attending or consulting physician, nurse, parent or guardian having charge of any minor under six years of age who is totally deaf or whose hearing is impaired to report the same at once in writing to the state department of health, giving the name, age and residence of such minor to the director of health and furnish such additional information as the director may require. If the director, after investigation, finds that such minor is not receiving adequate care and treatment, he shall report the facts relative to such minor to the appropriate welfare or other official agency which may provide for such care and treatment. If the case of such minor is referred to any welfare officer, when he has approved the provision of such medical or surgical care and treatment as is needed, and which the parent is unable to provide, the cost thereof shall be a charge against the municipality in which the child resides. The director of health shall in each instance notify the state commissioner of education of his disposition of the case, and the name of the official or agency to whom the same was referred. The commissioner of education, when in his judgment it is desirable, shall communicate to the parent, guardian, official or agency the location of the resident schools for the deaf and also the nearest public school having special classes and also instruction for the hard of hearing with information concerning the advantages offered by the school and the benefits to accrue to the child from attendance at such school, classes or instruction.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:14B-1 - County assistance

9:14B-1. County assistance
The board of chosen freeholders of a county which has no county home and hospital for children afflicted with sickle cell anemia may appropriate not more than $10,000.00 each year for the necessary expense incident to the diagnosis and treatment of such children resident in the county under the age of 21 years, including the cost of surgical appliances, support and maintenance of such children, investigation of cases, and necessary traveling expenses incidental to the investigation and transportation of patients to a suitable home or hospital within the State supported by public funds or private charity; provided, however, that the board of chosen freeholders in a county of the first class having a population in excess of 800,000 may appropriate not more than $25,000.00 each year.
Before spending money for such purposes the board shall adopt such rules and regulations as it deems desirable concerning the requirements of residence and eligibility for such relief. Disbursements shall be made through officers designated by the board for that purpose on verified bills presented and approved as in the case of other county expenditures.
L.1972, c. 171, s. 1, eff. Nov. 13, 1972. Amended by L.1975, c. 241, s. 1, eff. Oct. 24, 1975.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-4 - Warrants directed to whom

9:17-4. Warrants directed to whom
Warrants in such proceedings shall be directed to a constable or police officer of the county.
Amended by L.1949, c. 141, p. 515, s. 4; L.1953, c. 9, p. 82, s. 31.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-5 - Reputed father out of county; serving warrant upon

9:17-5. Reputed father out of county; serving warrant upon
If the person charged as such reputed father shall be or reside in a county of this State other than that in which the warrant is issued, the person serving the warrant shall present it to a court of the county wherein the reputed father resides or can be found, and upon being authorized by that court, may apprehend the reputed father in that county.
Amended by L.1953, c. 9, p. 82, s. 32.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-6 - Bond to be taken; discharge thereon; proceedings when no bond is taken

9:17-6. Bond to be taken; discharge thereon; proceedings when no bond is taken
When the reputed father is apprehended pursuant to section 9:17-5 of this Title, he shall be taken before any court of the county wherein he resides or is found, and that court may take from him a bond to the State of New Jersey, with good and sufficient surety or sureties, or with cash security, in the sum directed upon the warrant, for his appearance, at a time therein stated, before the court issuing the warrant, and thereafter from time to time as such court may direct.
Thereupon, the court taking the bond shall discharge the reputed father from arrest, and such officer shall deliver the warrant and bond to the court issuing the warrant.
If no bond is given as herein provided the officer having the warrant shall take the reputed father before the court originally issuing the warrant.
Amended by L.1945, c. 183, p. 618, s. 1; L.1953, c. 9, p. 82, s. 33.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-39 - Parent and child relationship defined.

9:17-39 Parent and child relationship defined.
2. As used in P.L.1983, c.17 (C.9:17-38 et seq.), "parent and child relationship" means the legal relationship existing between a child and the child's natural or adoptive parents, between a child and the child's co-parents pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2019, c.323 (C.9:17-69 et al.), or between the child and the child's intended parents pursuant to a gestational carrier agreement executed in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.), incident to which the law confers or imposes rights, privileges, duties, and obligations. It includes the mother and child relationship and the father and child relationship.
L.1983, c.17, s.2; amended 2018, c.18, s.10; 2019, c.323, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-42 - Closed court; confidentiality of records

9:17-42. Closed court; confidentiality of records
5. Notwithstanding any other law concerning public hearings and records, any action or proceeding held under this act shall be held in closed court without admittance of any person other than those necessary to the action or proceeding. All papers and records and any information pertaining to an action or proceeding held under this act which may reveal the identity of any party in an action, other than the final judgment or the birth certificate, whether part of the permanent record of the court or of a file with the State registrar of vital statistics or elsewhere, are confidential and are subject to inspection only upon consent of the court and all parties to the action who are still living, or in exceptional cases only upon an order of the court for compelling reason clearly and convincingly shown.
L.1983, c. 17, s. 5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-44 - Artificial insemination.

9:17-44 Artificial insemination.
7. a. If, under the supervision of a licensed physician, a physician assistant, or an advanced practice nurse, and with the consent of her spouse or partner in a civil union, a woman is inseminated artificially with semen donated by a man not her spouse or partner, the spouse or partner is treated in law as if the spouse or partner were the legal parent of a child thereby conceived. The consent of the spouse or partner shall be in writing and signed by both parties to the marriage or civil union. The physician, physician assistant, or advance practice nurse shall certify their signatures and the date of the insemination, upon forms provided by the Department of Health, and file the consent with the Department of Health, where it shall be kept confidential and in a sealed file. However, the physician's, physician assistant's, or advance practice nurse's failure to do so shall not affect the parent and child relationship of the spouse or partner. All papers and records pertaining to the insemination, whether part of the permanent record of a court or of a file held by the supervising physician, physician's assistant, or advance practice nurse or elsewhere, are subject to inspection only upon an order of the court for compelling reasons clearly and convincingly shown.
b. Unless the donor of semen and the woman have entered into a written contract to the contrary, the donor of semen provided to a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advance practice nurse for use in artificial insemination of a woman other than the spouse or partner in a civil union is treated in law as if the donor of semen were not the legal parent of a child thereby conceived and shall have no rights or duties stemming from the conception of a child.
c. This section shall not apply in a proceeding to determine parentage of a child born in connection with a gestational carrier agreement executed in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.).
L.1983, c.17, s.7; amended 2018, c.18, s.13.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-45 - Action to determine existence of parent-child relationship.

9:17-45 Action to determine existence of parent-child relationship.
8. a. A child, a legal representative of the child, the natural mother, the estate or legal representative of the mother, if the mother has died or is a minor, a man alleged or alleging himself to be the father, the estate or legal representative of the alleged father, if the alleged father has died or is a minor, the Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services, or the county welfare agency, or any person with an interest recognized as justiciable by the court may bring or defend an action or be made a party to an action at any time for the purpose of determining the existence or nonexistence of the parent and child relationship.
b. No action shall be brought under P.L.1983, c.17 (C.9:17-38 et seq.) more than five years after the child attains the age of majority.
c. The death of the alleged father shall not cause abatement of any action to establish paternity, and an action to determine the existence or nonexistence of the parent and child relationship may be instituted or continued against the estate or the legal representative of the alleged father.
d. Regardless of its terms, an agreement, other than an agreement approved by the court in accordance with subsection c. of section 11 of P.L.1983, c.17 (C.9:17-48) between an alleged or presumed father and the mother of the child, shall not bar an action under this section.
e. If an action under this section is brought before the birth of the child, all proceedings shall be stayed until after the birth, except service of process and the taking of depositions to perpetuate testimony. The court may consider the issue of medical expenses and may order the alleged father to pay the reasonable expenses of the mother's pregnancy and postpartum disability. Bills for pregnancy, childbirth and genetic testing are admissible as evidence without requiring third party foundation testimony, and shall constitute prima facie evidence of the amounts incurred for such services or for testing on behalf of the child.
f. This section does not extend the time within which a right of inheritance or a right to succession may be asserted beyond the time provided by law relating to distribution and closing of decedents' estates or to the determination of heirship, or otherwise, or limit any time period for the determination of any claims arising under the laws governing probate, including the construction of wills and trust instruments.
L.1983,c.17,s.8; amended 1997, c.376, s.2; 1998, c.1, s.39.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-46 - Jurisdiction

9:17-46. Jurisdiction
9. a. The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction over an action brought under this act. The action shall be joined with an action for divorce, annulment, separate maintenance or support.
b. A person who has sexual intercourse in this State thereby submits to the jurisdiction of the courts of this State as to an action brought under this act with respect to a child who may have been conceived by that act of intercourse. In addition to any other method provided by law, personal jurisdiction may be acquired by service in accordance with the rules of the court.
c. The action may be brought in the county in which the child or the alleged father resides or is found or, if the father is deceased, in which proceedings for probate of his estate have been or could be commenced.
L.1983,c.17,s.9; amended 1991,c.91,s.211.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-47 - Parties; guardian ad litem

9:17-47. Parties; guardian ad litem
10. The child may be made a party to the action. If the child is a minor and is made a party, a guardian ad litem may be appointed by the court to represent the child. The child's mother or father may not represent the child as guardian or otherwise. The court may appoint an attorney-at-law or an appropriate State agency as guardian ad litem for the child. The natural mother, each man presumed to be the father under section 6, each man alleged to be the natural father, any one whose name appears on the birth certificate, and anyone who has attempted to file an acknowledgment under section 6, whether or not effective to create a presumption of paternity, shall be made parties or, if not subject to the jurisdiction of the court, shall be given notice of the action in a manner prescribed by the court and an opportunity to be heard. The court may align the parties.
L.1983, c. 17, s. 10.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-49 - Civil action under act; trial by court.

9:17-49 Civil action under act; trial by court.
12. a. An action under this act is a civil action governed by the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey.
b. The trial shall be by the court without a jury.
L.1983,c.17,s.12; amended 1998, c. 1, s.46.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-50 - Witnesses; compelling to testify; immunity; contempt; physician's testimony; admissibility of evidence

9:17-50. Witnesses; compelling to testify; immunity; contempt; physician's testimony; admissibility of evidence
13. a. The mother of the child and the alleged father are competent to testify and may be compelled to testify.
b. Upon refusal of any witness, including a party, to testify under oath or produce evidence, the court may order the witness to testify under oath and produce evidence concerning all relevant facts. If the refusal is upon the ground that the testimony or evidence might tend to incriminate the witness, the court, after notice to the prosecutor, may grant the witness immunity from all criminal liability on account of the testimony or evidence that the witness is required to produce. An order granting immunity bars prosecution of the witness for any offense shown in whole or in part by testimony or evidence the witness is required to produce, except for perjury committed in the testimony. The refusal of a witness who has been granted immunity to obey an order to testify or produce evidence is a civil contempt of the court.
c. Testimony of a physician concerning the medical circumstances of the pregnancy, and the condition and characteristics of the child upon birth is not privileged.
d. Testimony relating to sexual access to the mother by any man at any time other than the probable time of conception of the child is inadmissible in evidence, unless offered by the mother. Before testimony relating to sexual access to the mother by an unidentified man at the probable time of conception may be introduced, the court shall hold an in camera hearing to determine whether the evidence is sufficiently probative so that the interests of justice require its admission.
e. In an action against an alleged father, uncorroborated evidence offered by him with respect to a man who is not subject to the jurisdiction of the court concerning his sexual intercourse with the mother at or about the probable time of conception of the child is admissible in evidence only if the other man has undergone blood tests or genetic tests, the results of which do not exclude the possibility of his paternity of the child and which tests are made available to the court. A man who is identified and is subject to the jurisdiction of the court shall be made a party in the action.
L.1983, c. 17, s. 13.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-52 - Evidence relating to paternity.

9:17-52 Evidence relating to paternity.
15. Evidence relating to paternity may include:
a. Evidence of sexual intercourse between the mother and alleged father at any possible time of conception;
b. An expert's opinion concerning the statistical probability of the alleged father's paternity, based upon the duration of the mother's pregnancy;
c. Genetic or blood tests, weighted in accordance with evidence, if available, of the statistical probability of the alleged father's paternity;
d. Medical or anthropological evidence relating to the alleged father's paternity of the child, based on tests performed by experts. If a man has been identified as a possible father of the child, the court may, and upon request of a party shall, require the child, the mother, and the man to submit to appropriate tests;
e. All other evidence on behalf of any party, relevant to the issue of paternity of the child; and
f. A gestational carrier agreement executed in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.).
L.1983, c.17, s.15; amended 2018, c.18, s.14.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-52.1 - Default order, effect

9:17-52.1. Default order, effect
6. A default order shall be entered in a contested paternity action upon a showing that proper notice has been served upon the party and the party has failed to appear at a hearing or trial; or has failed to respond to a notice or order that required a response within a specific period of time. A default order entered pursuant to this section shall be determinative for purposes of establishing the existence of paternity when proper notice has been served and a sworn statement by the mother indicating the parentage of the child has been executed.
L.1994,c.164,s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-54 - Costs and fees

9:17-54. Costs and fees
17. The court may order reasonable fees of counsel, experts, and the child's guardian ad litem, and other costs of the action and pre-trial proceedings, including blood or genetic tests, to be paid by the parties in proportions and at times determined by the court.
L.1983, c. 17, s. 17.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-55 - Enforcing parties

9:17-55. Enforcing parties
18. a. If existence of the father and child relationship is declared, or paternity or a duty of support has been acknowledged or adjudicated under this act or under prior law, the obligation of the father may be enforced in the same or other proceedings by the mother, and child, the public agency that has furnished or may furnish the reasonable expenses of pregnancy, postpartum disability, education, support, medical expenses, or burial, or by any other person, including a private agency, to the extent that the mother, child, person or agency has furnished or is furnishing these expenses.
b. The court may order support payments to be made to the mother, the clerk of the court, the appropriate probation department, or a person, corporation, or agency designated to administer them for the benefit of the child, under the supervision of the court.
c. Willful failure to obey the judgment or order of the court is a civil contempt of the court.
L. 1983, c. 17, s. 18. Amended by L. 1985, c. 278, s. 10, eff. Oct. 1, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-57 - Parties

9:17-57. Parties
20. The child, the mother or personal representative of the child, the Division of Public Welfare in the Department of Human Services or the county welfare agency, the personal representative or a parent, if the mother has died or is a minor, a man alleged or alleging himself to be the father, the personal representative or a parent of the alleged father, if the alleged father has died or is a minor, or any person with an interest recognized as justiciable by the court may bring an action to determine the existence or nonexistence of a mother and child relationship. Insofar as practicable, the provisions of this act applicable to the father and child relationship apply.
L.1983, c. 17, s. 20.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-58 - Support agreement

9:17-58. Support agreement
21. a. Any agreement in writing to furnish support for a child, growing out of a supposed or alleged father and child relationship, does not require consideration and is enforceable according to its terms, subject to subsection d. of section 8.
b. In the best interests of the child or the mother, the court may, and upon the request of the person agreeing to furnish support shall, order the agreement to be kept in confidence and designate a person or agency to receive and disburse on behalf of the child all amounts paid in performance of the agreement.
L.1983, c. 17, s. 21.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-59 - Amended birth record

9:17-59. Amended birth record
22. a. Upon order of a court of this State or upon request of a court of another state, the local registrar of vital statistics shall prepare an amended birth record consistent with the findings of the court.
b. The fact that the father and child relationship was declared after the child's birth shall not be ascertainable from the amended birth record, but the actual place and date of birth shall be shown.
c. The evidence upon which the amended birth record was made and the original birth certificate shall be kept in a sealed and confidential file and be subject to inspection only upon consent of the court and all interested persons, or in exceptional cases only upon an order of the court for compelling reasons clearly and convincingly shown.
L.1983, c. 17, s. 22.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-61 - Purpose.

9:17-61 Purpose.
2. Purpose.
a. The Legislature finds and declares that gestational carrier agreements executed pursuant to this act are in accord with the public policy of this State.
b. It is the intent and purpose of the Legislature to:
(1) Establish consistent standards and procedural safeguards to promote the best interests of the children who will be born as a result of gestational carrier agreements executed pursuant to P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.);
(2) Protect all parties involved in gestational carrier agreements executed pursuant to P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.); and
(3) Recognize the technological advances in assisted reproductive medicine in ways that allow the use of these advances by intended parents and gestational carriers according to the public policy of New Jersey.
L.2018, c.18, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-63 - Rights of parentage.

9:17-63 Rights of parentage.
4. Rights of Parentage.
a. Provided that the gestational carrier and the intended parent satisfy the eligibility requirements set forth in section 5 of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-64) and the gestational carrier agreement satisfies the requirements set forth in section 6 of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-65), immediately upon the birth of the child:
(1) The intended parent shall be the legal parent of the child;
(2) In the case of an intended parent who is a spouse or partner in a civil union or domestic partnership, both spouses or partners shall be the parents of the child; and
(3) Neither the gestational carrier nor her spouse or partner, if any, shall be the legal parent of the child.
b. In the event of a medical or laboratory error in which the resulting child is not genetically related to an intended parent whose gamete was intended to be used under the agreement, the intended parent shall be the parent of the child where the gestational carrier agreement satisfies the requirements set forth in section 6 of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-65), unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to a complaint challenging parentage filed by a genetic parent within 120 days of birth.
L.2018, c.18, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-64 - Eligibility.

9:17-64 Eligibility.
5. Eligibility.
a. A gestational carrier shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.) if, at the time the gestational carrier agreement is executed, she:
(1) Is at least 21 years of age;
(2) Has given birth to at least one child;
(3) Has completed a medical evaluation approving her suitability to serve as a gestational carrier;
(4) Has completed a psychological evaluation approving her suitability to serve as a gestational carrier;
(5) Has retained an attorney, independent of the intended parent, but for whose services the intended parent may pay, who has consulted with her about the terms of the gestational carrier agreement and the potential legal consequences of being a gestational carrier under the terms of this agreement.
b. The intended parent shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.) if, at the time the gestational carrier agreement is executed, the intended parent:
(1) Has completed a psychological evaluation approving the intended parent's suitability to participate in a gestational carrier agreement; and
(2) Is represented by an attorney who consulted with the intended parent about the terms of the gestational carrier agreement and the potential legal consequences of the agreement.
L.2018, c.18, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-66 - Duty to support.

9:17-66 Duty to support.
7. Duty to Support.
a. The establishment of the parent and child relationship pursuant to a valid gestational carrier agreement shall be the basis upon which an action for child support may be brought against the intended parent and acted upon by the court without further evidentiary proceedings.
b. The breach of the gestational carrier agreement by the intended parent shall not relieve the intended parent of the support obligations imposed by the parent and child relationship created by the provisions of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.).
c. Unless a person who donates gametes for use in assisted reproduction enters into a written contract to the contrary, the gamete donor is treated in law as if the gamete donor were not the legal parent of a child thereby conceived and shall have no rights or duties stemming from the conception of the child.
L.2018, c.18, s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-67 - Establishment of parent-child relationship.

9:17-67 Establishment of parent-child relationship.
8. Establishment of Parent-Child Relationship.
a. After the gestational carrier becomes pregnant in accordance with the gestational carrier agreement provided for in P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.), the intended parent shall file a complaint for an order of parentage with the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part of the county of the child's anticipated birth or the intended parent's or gestational carrier's county of residence.
b. Attached to the complaint shall be:
(1) An affidavit by the gestational carrier and her spouse or partner, if any, and the intended parent that they have entered into a gestational carrier agreement in conformity with New Jersey law and, after consultation with legal counsel, agreed to be bound by the terms of the agreement;
(2) An affidavit of representation by the attorney for the intended parent and the attorney for the gestational carrier and her spouse or partner, if any; and
(3) A statement from the medical facility which performed the assisted reproduction regarding the achievement of pregnancy in accordance with the gestational carrier agreement.
c. The Superior Court shall, to the extent possible, schedule and expedite a hearing on the matter, except that if the matter is uncontested, the court may decide the matter without the need for an appearance by the parties. Notice to all necessary parties shall be made in accordance with the Rules of Court.
d. The attorney representing the intended parent shall appear at the hearing unless the court waives an appearance.
e. Notwithstanding any other law concerning public hearings and records, any action or proceeding held under P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.), shall be held in closed court without admittance of any persons other than those necessary to the action or proceeding.
f. If the court finds that the parties have complied with the provisions of P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.), the court shall enter an order of parentage naming the intended parent as the legal parent of the child.
g. After the birth of the child, the order of parentage and application for the child's birth certificate shall be filed with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics pursuant to the requirements of R.S:26:8-28. The State Registrar shall issue the child's birth certificate naming the intended parent as the parent of the child.
h. All records and filings in connection with a gestational carrier agreement shall remain confidential and unavailable to the public, except that such records and filings may be made available to a child born as a result of a valid gestational carrier agreement who has attained at least 18 years of age and who has submitted a written, notarized request for the records or filings.
L.2018, c.18, s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-68 - Certain provisions of law not applicable to gestational carrier agreements.

9:17-68 Certain provisions of law not applicable to gestational carrier agreements.
9. Certain Provisions of Law not Applicable to Gestational Carrier Agreements.
a. A gestational carrier agreement shall not be considered:
(1) An adoption pursuant to Title 9 of the Revised Statutes; or
(2) A surrender of custody or termination of parental rights to the child by the gestational carrier in violation of the requirements of Title 9 of the Revised Statutes.
b. The payment of reasonable expenses in connection with a valid gestational carrier agreement shall not constitute a violation of section 18 of P.L.1993, c.345 (C.9:3-39.1).
L.2018, c.18, s.9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-69 - Findings, declarations relative to establishing legal parentage.

9:17-69 Findings, declarations relative to establishing legal parentage.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Modern medical advances have made parenthood possible for many couples that would not otherwise be able to have their own child, thanks to the availability of assisted reproduction procedures.
b. These procedures have enabled same-sex couples, opposite-sex couples dealing with infertility, and transgender and non-binary individuals, to become parents.
c. Societal recognition of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary individuals, in combination with advances in assisted reproduction, has outpaced changes in the law concerning processes for establishing legal parentage.
d. A spouse or partner in civil union who may not be genetically related to the child or who may not have gestated the child born to the couple through assisted reproduction is required to go through the lengthy and expensive process of adopting the child in order to confirm legal parentage.
e. By streamlining the process by which couples in this situation can legally confirm that both spouses in a marriage or both partners in civil union are parents of the child, this act reflects the current reality of many families in New Jersey, while ensuring that the rights of any other individuals who may have parental rights to the child are addressed.
f. In order to ensure that couples who have used assisted reproduction may have a non-genetic parent's rights afforded full faith and credit in all states, as guaranteed by the United States Constitution, this bill establishes a process to obtain a judgement of adoption from the court that optimizes judicial efficiency and use of court personnel.
L.2019, c.323, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-70 - Definitions relative to establishing legal parentage.

9:17-70 Definitions relative to establishing legal parentage.
2. As used in this act:
"Assisted reproduction" means medical procedures to facilitate human reproduction that involve human gametes or pre-embryos, including, but not limited to artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, embryo transfers and similar procedures. The term shall not include the use of assisted reproduction in connection with a gestational carrier agreement pursuant to the "New Jersey Gestational Carrier Agreement Act," P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.).
"Co-parent" means an individual who is the current or former partner in civil union or the current or former spouse of a natural parent or person treated in State law as a legal parent of a child conceived through the use of assisted reproduction and born during the civil union or marriage, and who may not be a biological parent of that child. The term "co-parent" shall refer to either a natural parent or a person treated in State law as a legal parent of the child, the current or former partner in civil union or the current or former spouse of the natural parent or person treated in State law as a legal parent, or both, provided that both individuals are named on the child's birth certificate as parents and a court has issued an order of parentage pursuant to the provisions of section 3 of P.L.2019, c.323 (C.9:17-71). "Co-parent" shall not include an intended parent pursuant to the "New Jersey Gestational Carrier Agreement Act," P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.).
L.2019, c.323, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17-71 - Eligibility to file for adoption.

9:17-71 Eligibility to file for adoption.
3. a. A natural parent or person treated in State law as a legal parent of the child, and the current or former partner in civil union or the current or former spouse of the natural parent or person treated in State law as a legal parent may jointly file a complaint for a judgement of adoption with the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part of the county of residence of the spouse, civil union partners, or one of the parties to the action.
b. Attached to the complaint shall be:
(1) proof of a valid civil union or marriage between the natural or legal parent and that person's partner in civil union or spouse, issued prior to the birth of the child;
(2) an original birth certificate issued by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics on which both partners in civil union or spouses are listed as parents of the child; and
(3) a written declaration signed by both parties to the action that describes in sufficient detail how the child was conceived and identifies any other involved parties so that the court may determine whether those individuals have parental rights to the child.
c. The court shall, if it determines that the parental rights of any other interested individual have been relinquished or terminated, issue a judgement of adoption confirming both parties to the action as the legal parents of the child, without the need for an appearance by the parties.
d. The court shall, if it determines that another individual may have existing parental rights to the child, order and conduct a hearing on the matter, providing notice to all parties, before issuing a judgement of adoption.
e. No home study or background check shall be required by the court in order to issue a judgement of adoption pursuant to this act.
f. The process provided by this section shall not be available to the intended parents of a child born to a gestational carrier pursuant to the provisions of the "New Jersey Gestational Carrier Act," P.L.2018, c.18 (C.9:17-60 et al.).
g. Nothing in this act shall be deemed to summarily extinguish or terminate the parental rights of any individual.
h. Nothing in this act shall be deemed to confer parental rights through a birth certificate.
i. The Supreme Court may establish court rules as necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act.
L.2019, c.323, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17A-1 - Consent by minor to medical, surgical care

9:17A-1. Consent by minor to medical, surgical care
1. The consent to the performance of medical or surgical care and procedure by a hospital or by a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery executed by a married person who is a minor, or by a pregnant woman who is a minor, on his or her behalf or on behalf of any of his or her children, shall be valid and binding, and, for such purposes, a married person who is a minor or a pregnant woman who is a minor shall be deemed to have the same legal capacity to act and shall have the same powers and obligations as has a person of legal age. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, an unmarried, pregnant minor may give consent to the furnishing of hospital, medical and surgical care related to her pregnancy or her child, although prior notification of a parent may be required pursuant to P.L.1999, c.145 (C.9:17A-1.1 et al.) and such consent shall not be subject to disaffirmance because of minority. The consent of the parent or parents of an unmarried, pregnant minor shall not be necessary in order to authorize hospital, medical and surgical care related to her pregnancy or her child.
L.1965, c.217; amended 1999, c.145, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17A-1.1 - Short title

9:17A-1.1. Short title
2. Sections 2 through 13 of this act shall be known and may be cited as the "Parental Notification for Abortion Act."
L.1999,c.145,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17A-1.2 - Findings relative to parental notification for abortion

9:17A-1.2. Findings relative to parental notification for abortion
3. The Legislature finds that there exist compelling and important State interests in protecting minors against their own immaturity, in fostering the family structure and preserving it as a viable social unit, and in protecting the rights of parents to rear their children.
The Legislature further finds that minors often lack the ability to make fully informed choices that take into account both immediate and long-range consequences of their actions; that the medical, emotional, and psychological consequences of abortion are serious and of indeterminate duration, particularly when the patient is a minor; that parents ordinarily possess information essential to a physician's exercise of his best medical judgment concerning their child; and that parents who are aware that their minor daughter has had an abortion may better insure that the minor receives adequate medical attention after her abortion. The Legislature further finds that parental consultation regarding abortion is desirable and in the best interests of the minor.
It is, therefore, the intent of the Legislature to further the interests stated above by enacting this parental notice provision.
L.1999,c.145,s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17A-1.3 - Definitions relative to parental notification for abortion

9:17A-1.3. Definitions relative to parental notification for abortion
4. As used in this act:
"Abortion" means the use of any means to terminate the pregnancy of a female known to be pregnant with knowledge that the termination with those means will, with reasonable likelihood, cause the death of the fetus.
"Medical emergency" means a condition which, on the basis of the physician's good faith clinical judgment, so complicates the medical condition of a pregnant unemancipated minor as to necessitate the immediate abortion of her pregnancy to avert her death or for which a delay will create serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.
"Parent" means a parent with care and control of the unemancipated minor, unless the parent has no custodial rights; or if there is no parent with care and control, then the foster parent or the guardian of the unemancipated minor; or a person standing in loco parentis to the unemancipated minor.
"Person standing in loco parentis" means (1) that the biological or adoptive parent consented to and fostered, the person's formation and establishment of a parent-like relationship with the minor; (2) that the person and the minor live together in the same household; (3) that the person assumed obligations of parenthood by taking significant responsibility for the minor's care, education and development, including contributing towards the minor's support, without expectation of financial compensation; and (4) that the person has been in a parental role for a length of time sufficient to have established with the minor a bonded, dependent relationship parental in nature.
"Unemancipated minor" means a female under the age of 18 years who is unmarried and is not currently serving active duty in one of the military services of the United States of America or a female for whom a guardian has been appointed pursuant to N.J.S.3B:12-25 because of a finding of incompetency. For the purposes of this act, pregnancy does not emancipate a female under the age of 18 years.
L.1999,c.145,s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17A-1.4 - Written notice of pending operation

9:17A-1.4. Written notice of pending operation
5. a. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, an abortion shall not be performed upon an unemancipated minor until at least 48 hours after written notice of the pending operation has been delivered in the manner specified in this act.
b. The notice shall be addressed to the parent at the parent's last known address and delivered personally to the parent by the physician.
c. In lieu of the personal delivery required in subsection b. of this section, notice may be made by certified mail addressed to the parent at the parent's last known address with return receipt requested and restricted delivery to the addressee, which means a postal employee may only deliver the mail to the authorized addressee. At the same time that notice is mailed by certified mail, it shall also be sent by first class mail to the parent at the parent's last known address. The 48-hour period for notice sent under the provisions of this subsection shall begin at noon on the next day on which regular mail delivery takes place following the day on which the mailings are posted.
L.1999,c.145,s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17A-1.5 - Notice not required if parent already notified

9:17A-1.5. Notice not required if parent already notified
6. Notice of a pending abortion shall not be required under this act if the parent who is entitled to notice has set forth in a notarized writing that notice was received.
L.1999,c.145,s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17A-1.6 - Notice not required if abortion due to medical emergency

9:17A-1.6. Notice not required if abortion due to medical emergency
7. Notice of a pending abortion shall not be required under this act if the attending physician certifies in the unemancipated minor's medical records that the abortion is necessary due to a medical emergency.
L.1999,c.145,s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 9 - Children--Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts › Section 9:17A-1.7 - Waiver of parental notification by court proceedings

9:17A-1.7. Waiver of parental notification by court proceedings
8. a. A minor may, by petition or motion, seek a waiver of parental notification from a judge of the Superior Court. The petition or motion shall include a statement that the minor is pregnant and is not emancipated.
b. The minor may participate in proceedings in the court on her own behalf, and the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for her. The court shall, however, advise her that she has a right to court appointed counsel, and shall, upon her request, provide her with such counsel.
c. Proceedings in the court under this section shall be confidential and insure the anonymity of the minor and shall be given such precedence over other pending matters so that the court may reach a decision promptly and without delay so as to serve the best interests of the minor. A judge of the Superior Court who conducts proceedings under this section shall make written factual findings and legal conclusions within 48 hours of the time that the petition or motion is filed unless the time is extended at the request of the unemancipated minor. If the court fails to rule within 48 hours and the time is not extended, the petition is granted and the notice requirement shall be waived. The judge shall order a record of the evidence to be maintained including the judge's written factual findings and legal conclusions supporting the decision.
d. (1) If the judge finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the unemancipated minor is sufficiently mature to decide whether to have an abortion, the judge shall authorize a waiver of notification.
(2) If the judge finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that there is evidence of a pattern of physical, sexual or emotional abuse of the minor by the parent, guardian or legal custodian, the judge shall authorize a waiver of notification. Notice of a determination made under this paragraph shall be made to the Division of Youth and Family Services.
(3) If the judge finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the notification of the parent is not in the best interests of the minor, the judge shall authorize a waiver of notification.
e. If the judge does not make a finding specified in subsection d. of this section, the judge shall dismiss the petition or motion and notice shall be given as provided for in section 5 of this act.
f. An expedited confidential appeal shall be available to a minor for whom the court denies an order waiving notification. No filing fees shall be required of any minor at either the trial or the appellate level. Access to the trial court for the purposes of such a petition or motion, and access to the appellate courts for purposes of making an appeal from denial of the same, shall be afforded such a minor on an emergent basis in accordance with the Rules of Court.
L.1999,c.145,s.8.