Massachusetts Second Parent Adoption Lawyers
You and your children deserve to have a legally recognized family. At Glickman Turley LLP, we are committed to helping lesbian and gay couples and other non-traditional parents pursue parenthood through co-parent adoption. We are compassionate advocates who will fight for your right to adopt the children who you love.
At our law firm, we have personal and professional experience with Massachusetts same sex adoptions. Attorney Donna M. Turley has helped the LGBT community through their unique parenthood and family law challenges for more that than 25 years. For experienced representation, please call 617.399.7770 or contact us online.
Supporting You Through the Co-Parent Adoption Process
In Massachusetts, non biological parents must petition the court to adopt the children of their spouse whether or not the same sex couple is married. In most circumstances, your child must live in your home for more than six months before you can petition for a second parent adoption. Then, months may pass from the time the court accepts your petition to the time when you are recognized as the legal parent with all the rights and responsibilities that go with that title.
Our attorneys will protect and advance your interests throughout the entire co-parent adoption process. Our comprehensive services include:
- Filing for a waiver of the six month residency requirement and the Department of Social Services (DSS) home study
- Filing to waive the required notice ("public notice") in the newspaper
- Drafting and filing co-parent adoption forms, including the petition for adoption, required affidavits, criminal record search, and other information required forms
- Compiling back-up documentation, including legal releases from anonymous donors and known donors, affidavits from your doctor or clinic, birth certificates and, when applicable, your marriage certificate
- Attending the initial hearing on the motions on your behalf (you do not need to be there)
- Representing you at the final adoption hearing (both parents must be present)
Although Massachusetts recognizes same sex marriage, the federal government does not. That means that for the purpose of securing a passport or getting social security benefits, non-biological parents must petition the court for adoption to have their relationship to their children recognized by the federal government.
When you are ready to start the Massachusetts co-parent adoption process, please call our attorneys at 617.399.7770 or contact us online.
