Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
adopting a minor step-child
What are the steps to adopting a minor step child in Mass? Are there interviews with a court social worker? Can this be done without the non-custodial parents consent? I am remarried and he (my son's bio-dad)has not seen my son for over four years nor does he pay the court ordered child support? There are also no ties to his extended family (g-mom, aunts, uncles etc)
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: adopting a minor step-child
Adoption requires that both the adoptive parent (your husband) and the spouse (you)
be investigated by the state prior to adoption. Due process requires that the father of
the child be given notice and an opportunity to be heard in opposition to the adoption.
Re: adopting a minor step-child
It sounds like a case for adoption. However, the biological dad will have to receive notice. He may object.
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