For many LGBTQ+ families and non-biological parents, a second-parent adoption is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your relationship with your child. At Hera Law Group, we help Massachusetts parents complete second-parent adoptions with care, so that both parents are fully and permanently recognized under the law.
A second-parent adoption allows one partner to adopt the biological or previously adopted child of the other partner, without terminating the existing parent’s rights. The result is that both parents hold equal, legally recognized parental status and share the same responsibilities. This is different from a stepparent adoption, though the two processes share many of the same steps.
Even with marriage equality and updates to Massachusetts parentage law that may already presume both partners are legal parents, a second-parent adoption offers protection that a legal presumption alone cannot. An adoption is a court judgment, and it is far more likely to be honored by other states if you travel or relocate, including those less favorable to LGBTQ+ families. It also provides clarity around medical and educational decision-making, ensures automatic custody rights if a parent passes away, and secures inheritance rights for your child.
A second-parent adoption is typically filed with the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court and generally involves:
Because both parents are already involved in raising the child, these cases are often less complicated than other types of adoption, though the required steps still must be completed carefully and correctly.
We understand how much your family’s legal security means to you. Our attorneys guide LGBTQ+ parents and families through the second-parent adoption process from start to finish, helping make sure every requirement is met and your family is fully protected.
At Hera Law, we understand that hiring an attorney is a big decision. We welcome you to call us for a free initial 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your situation.
Call 978.637.2048 or email office@heralawgroup.com to schedule your consultation today.
Hera Law Group is a Massachusetts and Rhode Island family law firm serving Norfolk, Barnstable, Nantucket, Worcester, Middlesex, and Providence Counties. We're a client-driven firm dedicated to protecting what matters most to your family, from family law and estate planning to probate.
Melissa Levine-Piro, Esq.
Founder
Hera Law Group
Melissa Levine-Piro is the founder of Hera Law Group, overseeing the firm's operations while personally handling select prenuptial, postnuptial, and litigation matters. A Boston Magazine Top Lawyer and Super Lawyer honoree, she's also deeply active in the Maynard community, having served as a town Selectman.
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