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The Court Adoption Process

By understanding the adoption process in the Massachusetts Court System, you'll have the tools you need to bring a new member into your family.

Adoptions are very complicated and, of course, very important. The information here is to help you understand the process of adopting a child and what it entails. It’s strongly recommended that you hire a lawyer to help you through the process.

First time? Start here.

Check eligibility 

The adoption process

We strongly recommend you find a lawyer to help you with the adoption process. How long the process will take varies, and depends on issues such as whether surrenders are filed, notice needs to be given, or a home study needs to be completed.

Who is eligible to adopt?  File for adoption  Learn about consenting to adoption 

Adoption records

Access to adoption records  Apply for a pre-adoption birth record  Access to historic adoption records 

Adoption resources

Adoption forms  Massachusetts law about adoption  Guardianship and Adoption: What are the Differences?  Custody Guide for Child Caregivers  Glossary of court terms 

Contact Information

Online

Probate and Family Court locations 

Address

150 Mount Vernon St., 1st Floor, Dorchester, MA 02125
Directions 

Phone

Main Call Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, Main at (617) 740-2600

Online

Amendments Email Registry of Vital Records and Statistics at vip-amend@state.ma.us
RVRS Customer Service Email Registry of Vital Records and Statistics at vital.recordsrequest@state.ma.us
Delayed records Email Registry of Vital Records and Statistics at vital.regulation@state.ma.us
Vitals Information Partnership (VIP) Email Registry of Vital Records and Statistics at vip@state.ma.us
Vitals Information Partnership (VIP) accounts Email Registry of Vital Records and Statistics at vip-accounts@state.ma.us
Data and Publications Email Registry of Vital Records and Statistics at vital.datarequest@state.ma.us
RVRS Communications Email Registry of Vital Records and Statistics at RVRSCommunications@mass.gov

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