What are Massachusetts's adoption laws?

Massachusetts adoption is governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 210. Here are the key provisions:

Residency: 0 months (M.G.L. c. 210 § 1)

Court: Probate and Family Court

Child Consent: Age 12+ (M.G.L. c. 210 § 2)

Abandonment: 12 months no contact (M.G.L. c. 210 § 3)

Termination: Can be included in adoption proceeding

Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents (M.G.L. c. 210 § 5A)

Timeline: Minor: 3-6 months | Adult: 4-8 weeks

Massachusetts has 14 counties, each with its own Probate and Family Court. Our documents are customized for your specific countie's requirements.

We've helped 162+ families in Massachusetts navigate these laws successfully.