[BrandyHagz]

Generally, adoptions thru the state dont require legal counsel. However...since yours is a relative adoption, you might want to at least consider meeting with an attorney for a free consultation...they can tell you if you'll need their services...

As for the mother...if the child is already in care...and she has had nothing to do with her, nor has she shown for court dates, I dont see why she would fight this...she obviously doesnt care...however, she may do it just to spite, it which case, it would be the state who would fight her for TPR, not you.

The way it works is, the state will terminate her rights, she will then be a ward of the state...at which point, you would be adopting her from the State of NJ...not her mother or father...their rights would have already been terminated.

Good luck! I hope everything works out...and keep us posted!