Frequently Asked Questions About Private Adoption in Massachusetts

Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy in Massachusetts? You may be considering adoption. As you face this unexpected moment, you may be curious to learn about adoption in Massachusetts.

Adoption is a positive choice for anyone who is not yet ready – or able – to raise a child. It can be an overwhelming decision, but one that you do not have to face alone. With the support of the right Massachusetts adoption agency, you can get the guidance, care, and services you need throughout the adoption process.

It can help, before beginning the adoption journey, to know a bit about the process. You likely have many questions. In this short guide, we have put together a set of Massachusetts adoption FAQ. Read on for the answers you need to get started.

What are my rights as a birth mother in Massachusetts?

• You have the right to choose adoption freely without pressure or coercion
• You can select the adoptive family and the type of adoption (open, semi-open, closed)
• You have the right to counseling and legal representation at no cost to you
• You must wait at least four days after birth to legally consent to adoption
• You can create a post-adoption contact agreement, if desired and mutually agreed upon between you and the adoptive parents

Starting the adoption process can be intimidating at first, but it is helpful to know there are resources to help. You can also take comfort in knowing your rights as a birth mother. You have the right, for example, to counseling services – at no cost. This professional can help you navigate the emotional journey of an unplanned pregnancy. You also have the right to an adoption attorney who can walk you through the adoption process.

In choosing adoption in Massachusetts, you also have the right to financial support. An unplanned pregnancy and adoption journey can create a financial burden. With an adoption agency, you can find the assistance you need, including living expenses, medical coverage, and maternity clothes, as needed.

Will I be able to meet the adoptive parents before the adoption?

Yes. You can choose the adoptive family for your child, and you can – if you wish – speak with them or meet them in person before making your decision. Your Massachusetts adoption agency can offer you adoptive family profiles of the families ready and pre-approved for adoption. These families are approved through the Home Study process, which ensures that each child is placed with a loving, safe, stable, and healthy family.

What are the different types of adoption available in Massachusetts?

With a Massachusetts adoption, you can choose between:

• Open adoption
• Closed adoption
• Semi-open adoption

An open adoption means there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive families before and after the adoption is completed. As a birth parent, you can choose the form and frequency of contact. You can choose whether you would like to stay connected via email, text messages, phone calls, or even in-person reunions. The choices are yours.

With a closed adoption, there is no information shared or communication between the birth and adoptive families. This may appeal to birth parents who wish to maintain privacy and anonymity.

A semi-open adoption plan falls – just as it sounds – somewhere between open and closed adoption. You may wish to choose your child’s adoptive family but then stop communication after the adoption is complete. You may wish to maintain contact only through the adoption agency. There is no right or wrong choice. You can choose whichever plan makes you feel most comfortable – and confident in – the adoption plan.

Can I make changes to my adoption plan after it has been created?

Yes, you can make changes to the adoption plan at any time. This includes after the agreement has been signed by the birth and adoptive parents. At an adoption agency like Adoptions With Love, your records are kept on file, and the adoption plan can be edited as the relationships between birth and adoptive families evolve.

What is the role of an adoption agency in Massachusetts?

Your adoption agency is meant to oversee every aspect of adoption in Massachusetts. This professional works diligently to ensure that your child is placed in a safe and healthy home. Your adoption agency will help you find an adoptive family whom you can trust. Your adoption agency also works with you to custom design an adoption plan of your choosing. With an adoption agency, you can find the support and resources you need, including counseling services, legal support, and financial and medical coverage. All these services come at no cost to you.

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Do I need the birth father’s consent for the adoption?

Typically, the answer is no, but consent will depend on your relationship with the birth father. Birth fathers’ rights are complex and are often handled on a case-by-case basis. Consult with your adoption agency to decide whether consent is needed by the birth father of your child.

How do I choose an adoptive family in Massachusetts?

• Work with a licensed adoption agency to access family profiles
• Review detailed information about prospective adoptive families
• Consider factors like values, lifestyle, location, and parenting style
• Ask questions or meet families (virtually or in person) if desired
• Take your time and choose the family with whom you feel most comfortable
• Know that support is available throughout the decision-making process

Choosing an adoptive family for your child is one of the many benefits of choosing adoption. Your adoption agency can help you find a family that is safe, loving, and healthy enough to raise your child. At a reputable adoption agency, such as Adoptions With Love, you can browse the adoptive family profiles of couples and individuals who have been pre-approved for adoption. This means they have successfully completed the Home Study. The Home Study takes several months to complete and is a thorough screening process. It includes at-home visits and interviews, the review of medical and financial records, and background checks.

You can speak with – or meet – an adoptive family before making your decision. Your adoption agency can also help you with this step in the adoption process.

Can I choose a closed adoption if I want to remain anonymous?

Yes. While most birth parents today choose open adoption, a closed adoption may feel more comfortable for you, depending on your needs and wishes. If privacy and anonymity are important to you, then a closed adoption may be the right type of adoption plan. There is no right or wrong way to make an adoption plan.

Can I get financial assistance during my pregnancy in Massachusetts?

Yes. With an adoption agency in Massachusetts, you can get the support you need – including financial aid. At Adoptions With Love, every birth parent planning adoption can receive assistance with:

• Housing – We can cover a deposit and several months of rent, as needed.
• Other living expenses – such as utilities, phone bills, transportation, food bills, and maternity clothes.
• Medical coverage. We can help you find a midwife or doctor with whom you feel comfortable and cover any uninsured medical bills related to pregnancy and birth.

What are the steps of the adoption process in Massachusetts?

• Choose an adoption agency to guide the process
• Learn about adoption options and make an adoption plan
• Review and select an adoptive family, if desired
• Create a hospital and birth plan that aligns with your preferences
• Give birth and legally consent to the adoption after the required waiting period
• Complete legal paperwork with the help of your adoption professional
• Decide on the level of post-adoption contact, if pursuing an open adoption

Adoption can seem like an intimidating process, but the right Massachusetts adoption agency can help walk you through the experience with ease and support. The first step of the adoption process is to choose an adoption agency. Once you have chosen an agency, you can begin to choose your child’s adoptive family and design your adoption plan. As you prepare for the adoption, you can also receive guidance – for free – from the adoption attorney that works with your adoption agency.

Throughout the process – and even after the adoption is complete – it is important to pursue counseling services. These are free for birth parents working with an adoption agency.

How long do I have to change my mind after signing the adoption consent forms in Massachusetts?

Adoption laws vary by state. Some states have revocation periods, but Massachusetts is not one of those states. Once consent is signed and the paperwork is complete, it may not be reversed. According to Massachusetts adoption laws, a birth mother may consent to the adoption no sooner than four days after the baby’s birth. This gives you some time to get to know your child and consider the decision again. At Adoptions With Love, we urge birth mothers to take all the time they need before signing consent forms. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.

Learn More About Adoption in Massachusetts

Would you like to learn more about adoption in Massachusetts? Reach out to Adoptions With Love today. We can help you lovingly make an adoption plan for your child. Call 24/7 – 800-722-7731, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online.