[Berkshires96]

Looking for informtion specifically about Massachusetts. What are the current adoption laws. Can you do a private adoption, just using an attorney? What is the waiting period, after birth, before the papers can be signed? And after papers signed, is there another waiting period or is everything done and legally binding?
Thanks for any information. We have very unexpectedly, possibly found a birthmother that what's to place the baby and have no idea what the laws are in our state (hers too). Could this be done relatively smoothly or does the state have a lot of regulations?

[loveajax]

Berkshires, congrats on your match.

Massachusetts is an "agency only" state....but it is less expensive to do an "identified" adoption thru an agency (you may want to call different ones and see which has the best fees for this type of situation). A birth mother can sign relinquishment papers after four days...there is no revocation period after that (unless there may be one for coercion, but I'm not sure...no "standard" one, as I remember), You will have to have three post placement visits and you cannot finalize until the child has been living with you for six months....Hope this helps...good luck!

Btw, what about birth dad??? There are some other requirements if it is an "unknown" birth dad. Also, it creates some additional risk.

[EZ2Luv]

I just wanted to add that you still need to have a homestudy too. Ironically MA , as liberal is it is,is one of the hardest for adoption.

Good Luck

EZ

[looking4lily]

Best of luck to you! The first four days were the longest days of my life!!

[Synesthesia]

Originally Posted by EZ2Luv

I just wanted to add that you still need to have a homestudy too. Ironically MA , as liberal is it is,is one of the hardest for adoption.

Good Luck

EZ

How is adoption in Massachusetts harder?
*lives there*