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.
N.J.S. § 9:17-39