N.J. Stat. § 2A:22-2: Age of plaintiff; request by adoptee; waiver of requirements

Such adoption shall not be granted, unless the adopting parent or parents are at least 10 years older than the person to be adopted and the latter has, in writing acknowledged by him as deeds are required to be acknowledged, requested the adoption and, if desired, the change of name. The court, upon being satisfied that the best interests of the person to be adopted would be promoted by granting the adoption, may waive any and all of the above requirements. Every such waiver shall be recited in any judgment of adoption thereafter entered.

L.1951 (1st SS), c.344; amended by L.1977, c. 212, s. 1, eff. Sept. 7, 1977.