Guiding You through the Adoption Process

Adoption is the creation of a new parent-child relationship, and it is welcomed by the courts. It is both a legal and emotional process, and we can help you with the legal process as you focus on your new family.

For more than 35 years, we have helped families in the Watertown area through the adoption process. We handle stepparent, grandparent and other relative adoptions. We also handle adoptions of adults, often to clarify familial relationships and inheritance issues.

Adoption will terminate the rights of one or both parents. Before you can adopt a child, you must give proper notice to the biological parent(s). If the child’s biological parent(s) are alive, their rights must be terminated voluntarily by consent or involuntarily by the court. If a biological parent is deceased, you will need to obtain a death certificate before you can adopt.

If the child is over 12, he or she must also consent to the adoption. If there is a question about whether the child is giving consent voluntarily, the child may need to meet with an independent lawyer.

An adoption home study is required for the adoption of any child under age 14 unless the child is being adopted by a stepparent. As your attorneys, we can help you find an agency to perform the home study. If you and your new spouse wish to adopt a child or children, we can file an adoption action in the county in which you live.

If you are married, both spouses must be part of the adoption process. If you are single or an unmarried couple, you can also pursue adoption.

As your attorneys, we will utilize all our skills and experience to help you achieve your goal of welcoming a new person into your family. To set up a consultation, contact Watertown adoption attorney Linda Sternberg at 617-454-4705 or by email.