Is stepparent adoption in Massachusetts public record?

Adoption records in Massachusetts have significant privacy protections. While the adoption petition is filed with the Probate and Family Court, adoption proceedings receive more confidentiality than typical civil cases.

What is generally NOT public:

• The original birth certificate is sealed after adoption
• Detailed adoption case files are often sealed or restricted
• The identity of the biological parent whose rights were terminated

What may be accessible:

• The existence of a case filing (case number and parties)
• The adoption order itself (though access may be restricted)
• Some courts list adoption hearings on their calendar

Privacy protections:

• Massachusetts has statutes governing the confidentiality of adoption records
• Many counties seal adoption files automatically
• You can request the court to seal records if they are not sealed by default
• The new birth certificate does NOT indicate the child was adopted

Practical reality:

• No one would know about the adoption unless you tell them
• The new birth certificate looks the same as any other birth certificate
• Schools, doctors, and other institutions see only the final result — a parent-child relationship

We include guidance on privacy protections in your document package ($349).

Start at stepparentadoption360.com/questionnaire.