All hopeful adoptive parents must meet a number of requirements to adopt in Massachusetts before they begin the adoption process. The adoption requirements that you’ll need to meet will vary based on the type of adoption you choose to pursue in addition to the MA adoption professional you’re working with.

To learn more about your state's adoption requirements, reach out to an adoption specialist today.

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about the requirements for adopting a child in Massachusetts:

Do I have to be married to adopt in Massachusetts?

No; a Massachusetts resident can adopt regardless of their marital status. However, if you’re married, you must petition to adopt jointly with your spouse.

Each adoption professional will likely have their own adoption qualifications regarding the marital status of potential adoptive parents. American Adoptions requires that adoptive couples be married for at least two years before adopting, but exceptions can be, and have been, made.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION to learn more about these adoption requirements.

Can same-sex couples adopt in Massachusetts?

Yes; there are no specific laws addressing same-sex couples and adoption in Massachusetts, so LGBT couples may adopt jointly. However, individual adoption professionals may have their own preferences or requirements, as always.

American Adoptions welcomes LGBT families who wish to adopt a child in Massachusetts. Contact us now to learn more.

How old do you have to be to adopt in Massachusetts? Is there an adoption age limit?

Massachusetts adoption law simply states that a person must be an “adult” in order to adopt in MA, although there is no minimum age to adopt or upper adoption age limit specified.  Most adoption professionals have their own age requirements to adopt in Massachusetts, including American Adoptions, where we require adoptive parents to be between 22 to 50 years old.

Again, exceptions have been made, so contact us at 1-800-ADOPTION to learn more about the age requirements to adopt a child in Massachusetts.

Can a felon adopt a child in Massachusetts?

Anyone hoping to adopt in Massachusetts must first be cleared through a home study, which includes criminal background checks, among other safety clearances.

Although some prospective adoptive parents who’ve been convicted of a felony have been approved to adopt in Massachusetts, this occurs on an case-by-case basis after a court and social worker have reviewed your individual circumstances. To reach this point, you’ll first need to apply through an adoption agency, so call to learn more.

What do I need to adopt a child in Massachusetts? And how hard is it to adopt a baby?

Although the standard legal adoption requirements in Massachusetts are relatively easy to define, there are other requirements to adoption that you may not have considered. These adoption requirements include:

Health Requirements to Adopt in MA

Prospective adoptive families are required to submit current health records as part of their home study, no matter what type of adoption in Massachusetts you pursue. This is done to verify that you’re physically and mentally healthy enough to care for a child at this time.

Financial Adoption Requirements

Families who wish to adopt must also submit current financial records for their home study process, which are used to verify that they’re financially stable enough to provide for a child’s needs. You do not need to be wealthy to adopt, but you do need to be able to meet your family’s basic needs.

Emotional Requirements for Adopting a Child

Unlike most of the other requirements for adopting a child in Massachusetts, there aren’t documents that you can provide to verify your emotional preparedness for adoption. However, meeting the emotional requirements to adopt in Massachusetts is one of the best indicators for successful adoption. Some emotional requirements that hopeful adoptive parents should consider include:

• Working to resolve any infertility or miscarriage grief, and releasing the dreams and expectations of having a biological child.

• Educating yourself about and emotionally preparing yourself for the Massachusetts adoption process and raising an adopted child.

• Becoming united with your spouse about your adoption goals, your feelings about adoption and your parenting tactics so that you’re both equally committed to the adoption process before beginning it.

• Learning about how to maintain a post-adoption relationship with your child’s birth family.

• Staying committed to the adoption process, even in the face of potential challenges or leaving your comfort zone.

Do you meet our agency's qualifications for adoption in Massachusetts? Find out now by calling 1-800-ADOPTION or requesting free adoption information online.

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