NJSBA headquarters NJSBA headquarters, New Brunswick, NJ. Credit: Google

Capitol Report

• NJSBA urges law revision commission to review use of 'surrender' in voluntary transfers of parental rights

The New Jersey State Bar Association urged the New Jersey Law Revision Commission (NJLRC) to study the use of the word "surrender" in matters involving the voluntary transfer of parental rights.

"A parent who is inclined to surrender their parental rights in the best interests of their child may not be deterred by the use of the term 'surrender,' but it is often a hurdle to emotionally overcome what is an already emotionally charged court proceeding," said NJSBA President Jeralyn L. Lawrence. She urged a review of the child welfare statutes to consider a more accurate term, specifically the "voluntary transfer of parental rights."