Welcome to the twenty-first post in our series Adopting In the 50 States. Today, we’re in Massachusetts, where Worcester is pronounced Wooster. Remember, I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV. Consult an attorney or other adoption professional with specific questions. If you have adopted in Massachusetts and would like to share your experience with others, please leave a comment or email me at RobynC@adoptionblogs.com.
Who May Adopt In Massachusetts?
Any adult may adopt in Massachusetts. Married couples must adopt jointly, unless one is adopting the biological child of the other.
When May Consent Be Signed?
Consent may be signed 4 days after the birth of the child.
How Much Time Do the Birth Parents Have to Revoke Consent?
Consent is irrevocable.
Does Massachusetts Have a Putative Father Registry?
No.
Does Massachusetts Allow the Biological Father to Give Consent Before the Child is Born?
No.
Can Adoptive Parents Advertise to Find Expectant Parents?
No.
Does Massachusetts Allow the Use of Facilitators?
No.
How Long Before Adoption Can Be Finalized?
6 months.
Which Expectant Mother Expenses Can Be Paid by the Adoptive Parents?
Adoptive parents can pay expectant mother expenses. However, which expenses are not specified in Massachusetts law.
Can Out of State Residents Finalize in Massachusetts?
Yes, if the child is a resident of Massachusetts and the court allows it.
Does Massachusetts Allow for Enforceable Open Adoption Agreements?
Yes. The adoptive parents and birth parents can be included in the agreement. However, the adoption is final, and cannot be annulled if one or more parties fail to live up to the agreement. The court can decrease or limit birth parent involvement, but cannot expand it.
Resources
- Mass.gov Adoption & Foster Care
- Adopting In Massachusetts
- Child Adoption Laws, Massachusetts
- Child Welfare Information Gateway, State Statutes
- Adamec, Christine. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Adoption. New York: Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 2004.
- Adoptive Families Magazine 2008
Photo Credit: Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas
There was an excellent conference at Grace family Baptist Church regarding adoptions recently. You can pick up the audio here: http://tinyurl.com/y6cr4lo. It is WELL worth the money. Also, you can pick up a copy of Russell Moore’s book, adopted for life.
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