[Archive]

Originally Posted By jen

i was wondering if anyone knew the laws in massachusetts for step parent adoption. my son's bio father is still around, but, it's not a good thing. my husband would like to adopt my son. we've been married for four years now. my son has been hurt by his bio father alot, mostly mental. we want to allow my husband to adopt him. how do i go about doing it? i'm having trouble finding the laws for massachusetts on line. i want to make sure that i have alot of information on this so that i'm prepared for anything. this would be in the best interests of my child. his bio dad says that he knows that my son being adopted would be in his best interests, but he has his pride. i think that it is his family. what do i do? if anyone could give me any information, i would greatly appreciate it! thank you in advance!

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Greg Franklin

Thanks for your inquiry. Generally speaking, in a step-parent adoption, the consent of the child’s biological father is required, or the court may waive the requirement if there is ample evidence of abandonment or other factors, like non-payment of child support.

Adoption laws vary from state to state, however, and I cannot advise you on the legalities of your situation in MAssachusetts. I recommend that you speak with an attorney in your state who is familiar with adoption-related issues. If you are located in Western New York, You might be able to find an experienced attorney, who is a member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, at http://www.adoptionattorneys.org, or I would be happy to give you a couple of recommendations.

Please let me know if you have any questions and if I may be of any assistance.

Greg Franklin

Please note that this and subsequent communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship between the parties to this message. Any comments or recommendations made in this communication are of a general nature, are based upon the limited information provided to the addressee, and are not to be construed as legal advice.