Can a stepparent adopt without the father's permission in Massachusetts?

Yes — and this is how the majority of stepparent adoptions work. Over 80% of the 34,000+ families we've helped completed their adoption without the biological father's permission.

How this is possible in Massachusetts:

The law does not give an absent parent an absolute veto over adoption. Under M.G.L. c. 210 § 3, if the biological father has had no meaningful contact with the child for 12 months or more, the Probate and Family Court can terminate his parental rights based on abandonment.

"Meaningful contact" means:

• Regular visits with the child
• Consistent phone calls or communication
• Active participation in the child's life and decisions

What does NOT count as meaningful contact:

• Paying child support (financial obligation, not relationship)
• Sending one birthday card
• An occasional text to your spouse (not to the child)
• Social media posts about "missing" the child

The process:

1. We prepare an abandonment affidavit documenting the father's absence

2. He is served with the adoption petition (at his address, or by publication if unknown)

3. He has a set period to respond — most absent fathers do not respond

4. The court finds abandonment and approves the adoption

Cost: $349 | Timeline: 3-6 months | Start at stepparentadoption360.com/questionnaire