Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption - Massachusetts

Who May Adopt

Citation: Ann. Laws Ch. 210, § 1

The following persons may adopt:

• Any adult
• A husband and wife jointly; however, the court may grant the petition if only one spouse is a party when certain provisions of the statute are met
• A minor with his or her spouse to adopt the natural child of either spouse

Who May Be Adopted

Citation: Ann. Laws Ch. 210, § 1

Any person younger than the petitioner may be adopted, except for a spouse, sibling, aunt, or uncle of the petitioner.

Who May Place a Child for Adoption

Citation: Ann. Laws Ch. 210, § 2A; Ch. 15D, § 1A

A child may be placed by any of the following:

• The child's parent(s) when the placement has been approved by the Department of Early Education and Care or an authorized agency
• A child-placing agency, which includes the department