Free Massachusetts Adoption FAQs | Adoption Frequently Asked Questions

Is Consent Of The Natural Parents Required?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

Such consent is usually required from the natural parents, but the court can dispense with consent if there are good reasons.

No consent may be obtained until at least 48 hours after the birth of the child.

Can A Consent Be Withdrawn?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

Any person who has given consent can change her or his mind up to 21 days after giving such consent, but only if such revocation is in writing and delivered to the Director of Child and Family Services appointed under the Child and Family Services Act, or such designated official appointed by said director. after which, as soon as possible after receipt of such revocation, the Director must give notice to the prospective adoptive parent, who must return the child, whether or not the prospective

When Would Consent Of The Child Be Required?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

The child's consent will be required if the child is 12 years of age or over.

What Notification Is Required When A Child Is Placed For Adoption?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

Both the person who intends to receive the child and the person who intend to place the child for adoption must, at least 14 days before such receipt or placement of the child, notify the child and family services agency or an adoption agency having jurisdiction in the area where the prospective adoptive parent resides, in proper form, which notification shall include the following information:

name and birthdate of the child, or in the case of an unborn child, the expected date o

When May An Application For Adoption Be Made?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

An application, made in the prescribed form, may be made after the expiration of six months from the date on which the child was placed with the prospective adoptive parent, or within such lesser or greater time as the child and family services agency that is the permanent guardian of the child may authorize.

What Documentation Must Be Presented With An Application For Adoption?

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:51:22 GMT

The documentation listed below, as may be applicable, will be required:

an affidavit from the applicant which includes the applicant's name, age, address and marital status;
the birth certificate or registration of live birth of the child;
the order of permanent guardianship or the voluntary surrender of guardianship agreement;
the consent of the natural parent(s) or permanent guardian of the child or any order dispensing with any consent;

What Is The Effect Of An Adoption Order?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

For all purposes, when an adoption order is made, the adopted child is the child of the adopting parent and the adopting parent is parent and guardian of the adopted child as if that child had been born to that parent in lawful wedlock.

Would A Person Be Able To Find His Natural Birth Parents Or Brothers Or Sisters?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

In some cases, but not always.

All records relating to an adoption order that are in the custody of

the director (of Child and Family Services);
a child and family services agency; or
an adoption agency;

are confidential and may be accessed only as provided in The Adoption Act.

Postadoption records are maintained separately in the PostAdoption Registry. Identifying information may be disclosed where disclosure

Can One Adopt An Adult Or Married Minor?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

The adoption of an adult or a married minor is a much less complicated procedure than adopting an unmarried minor. For an adult this is because the prospective child is capable of consenting to the adoption himself. Of course, as with other adoptions, the prospective adoptive parent must obtain the consent of his spouse prior to adopting an adult or married minor. Similarly, the person to be adopted must also obtain consent from his or her spouse, in the event either is married, prior to being a