Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Adopting a child without a father listed on birth certificate.

I have been living with my wife and her 6 year-old son for 5 years. We have been married for over 2 years. When her son was born, she wasn't sure who the father was. Since that time she has had a DNA test performed and determined the father. He has not been significantly involved in her son's life (5-6 visits).

Does Massachusetts law require his signature for me to adopt if he is not listed on the original birth certificate? (The birth certificate was NOT amended after the DNA results.)


Asked on 1/05/02, 10:40 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alan Pransky Law Office of Alan J. Pransky

Re: Adopting a child without a father listed on birth certificate.

Since the father is known, the father's parental rights must be terminated before the child can be adopted. He can voluntarily sign a document to waive these rights or a court can take them away if the circumstances justify this.

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Answered on 1/05/02, 11:17 am


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