Massachusetts Adoption Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last updated February 13, 2023
Adopting a child can be a joyous occasion for prospective parents, and a chance to celebrate an addition to your family. That said, the adoption process can be complicated, both emotionally and legally. Each state has laws regarding who can adopt, who can be adopted, and how, and these laws can be hard to figure out.
Read on for a brief summary of Massachusetts adoption laws.
State Adoption Laws
Regulations and laws regarding adoption, including who may adopt and special requirements for adoptive parents, are similar among most states. While there may be minor differences in the statutes, states generally keep adoption regulations things pretty uniform. Massachusetts children 12 and older must give consent to adoption. Adoption is such a complicated (and important) process, it is wise to contact an experienced attorney for assistance.
Adoption Statutes in Massachusetts
The various state adoption laws can differ depending on where you live. Below are some of the highlights of Massachusetts adoption laws, including regulations on who may adopt, child consent requirements, and the relevant procedures.
Code Section |
|
|---|---|
Who May Be Adopted |
Any person younger than the adopter; special requirements are needed for children under age 14. |
Age that Child's Consent Needed |
12 years and older |
Who May Adopt |
Any person of full age, his spouse joining, may, subject to certain exceptions, petition to adopt any person younger than himself (other than the petitioner's spouse, brother, sister, aunt, or uncle of whole or half blood). |
Home Residency Required Prior to Finalization of Adoption? |
6 months if the adoptee is under 14 unless the requirement waived |
State Agency/Court |
Dept. of Children and Families/Probate |
Statute of Limitations to Challenge |
120 days for appeal; may only be made by a parent if notice not received |
Related Resources for Adoption Laws:
State standards and regulations concerning adoption can be complex and are subject to change. You can visit FindLaw's Adoption Laws section to review some of these laws and get a more general overview in our Adoption section.
Get Legal Help With an Adoption
Adoption can be a complicated process. There are many state and federal laws that govern adoption. An attorney will help you navigate these laws. They will help review your case, provide helpful legal advice, and advocate for you and your future child.
If you would like legal assistance with an adoption case, you can find an experienced Massachusetts adoption attorney in your area to schedule a consultation.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.