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Massachusetts Adoption Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Adoption and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: How can I change my sons date of birth on his birth certificate and citizenship papers. He was adopted from Haiti.

we have since received an new birth certificate from vital records in Haiti? Thank you

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2024

Official documents like birth certificates and citizenship papers are legal records, and altering them is considered forgery, which is a serious crime.

If your son was adopted from Haiti and you have received a new, official birth certificate from the proper authorities in Haiti, then that...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Adoption for Massachusetts on
Q: Hello, Im over 21 and I was wondering if it’s possible for me to be adopted to get citizenship!
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

It is possible for an adult to be adopted in order to obtain citizenship, but the process can be complicated and there are specific requirements that must be met.

In general, an adoption for immigration purposes must be a full and final adoption, meaning that it terminates the legal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Adoption for Massachusetts on
Q: I am adopted and a US citizen. What isthe fastest way to bring my biological siblings in the US

I was adopted at 6 months by my parents i have two biological sisters( same biological mother and father) and a half sister (same biological father). I want to start the process to bring them here . What is the process? Do i file a relative sponsorship or do i need additional forms ?

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Aug 31, 2023

Relative sponsorship is no longer possible for your biological relatives if you have been legally adopted. Work with an immigration attorney to explore alternatives

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Massachusetts on
Q: I was adopted at 15 years old do I have any legal claims against my biological mother's estate
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jan 11, 2023

You very well may however some laws vary from state to state (jurisdiction to jurisdiction) and I would recommend that you contact a probate lawyer in your state to discuss this further. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: Does a reliquish of rights go I to affect the day it was signed. It was done in front of a notary public and witnesses

It is stamped, signed and dated and filed into court

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Sep 15, 2021

It has to be filed with the Court and acted upon to take effect. If you have second thoughts you really should have counsel represent you!!

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: My sister adopted my daughter because dcyf involvement five years ago. Today me and her want to reverse it. Any help

We want my child back with me we are looking for a lawyer to help us reverse it.

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Apr 8, 2021

This would probably be a new adoption petition. An adoption practitioner can go over all of your unique facts.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: How can I prove abandonment of child and terminate rights of biological father? He's been gone over 4 years.

My now husband wants to adopt. Bio Father has been in and out of jail over last 10 years for years at a time. Never paid child support.. We live in Massachusetts.

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Mar 4, 2021

I take it you have already explored whether he would voluntarily consent to adoption by stepfather? This is the easiest method to proceed. Otherwise there would need to be either a default on a petition or a trial establishing unfitness of bio father with an adjudication.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: I need a affordable child custody attorney I am trying to get custody of my 10 yr old son hes being abused and neglected

I understand how my child is and how he acts and listens to me

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Sep 23, 2020

If you are in the Bronx and the child is living in New York you will need an attorney in New York as soon as possible.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: If my mom is in jail can a friend of mine get guardianship of me

I am 16 my mom left me in the care of a relative without birth certificate or social security card and I have been out of school for a year and am currently living with a friend who is filing for guardianship and feel unsafe goin back to my mom. How long will this process take and can or will they... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Sep 21, 2020

If the Court finds the petitioner for guardianship to be suitable and in your best interest after first having the petitioner appointed temporarily usually there would then be a trial date for appointment of a permanent guardian for you until age 18. Sometimes the parent(s) assent to temporary or... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: What are the steps and requirements needed to terminate my son's father's parental rights in Massachusetts?

My son is 15 months old, and his father has made no effort to see him or even ask how he's doing since I left him when my son was less than 3 months old. I've reached out multiple times with opportunities for visits with no response from him. He has my facebook blocked and has a new... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jan 17, 2019

If you were divorced did you have a reference to custody and visitation in the agreement or in the Judgment post trial? If this is an unmarried parents Judgment of paternity or custody and support, then the issue of what custody there is would be addressed in that agreement and Judgment. You would... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: What are our chances of my husband adopting my son as his legal stepchild. As well as what are the steps we need to take

I have an 8 year old son from a prior relationship, his biological father has not seen or spoken to him in about 6 years. I was just recently married but before marriage my husband has been supporting my son for the past 5 years while we were in a relationship. The biological father does not keep... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Dec 17, 2018

If there are no issues involving the step father there are no chances working against you and then quite possibly biological father would be willing to consent to the adoption. You can still proceed with the adoption petition if he does not consent but it would be a longer time frame, and judging... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Massachusetts on
Q: I just found out i have a 9 year old daughter. Recently did a paternity test. What are my rights ( if any ) ?

I recently did a paternity test & found out i have a 9 year old daughter. However the mother isn’t allowing me to be a part of this child’s life. Given how sensitive the situation is, i understand her concern. But she originally agreed then disagreed. Plans on moving out of state too. The... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Nov 22, 2017

Without "going to Court" you do not have any legal rights as in paternity cases the presumption is that the mother has sole custody. Therefore, if you are interested in obtaining visitation rights you will need to involve the Court. You also will be responsible for child support and this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Massachusetts on
Q: My ex-husband moved away when our children were young, what grounds does my new husband have?

My new husband has been their primary caregiver since my daughter was 3 and my son was 1.5, I am having a will written, (4 + years as of right now) would my husband have any grounds to keep the children should something happen to me? I would like the verbiage to read for them to stay in our home... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Aug 23, 2017

The best way to deal with the biological father not potentially having custody of the minor children at your death would be to see if he would agree and your husband would agree to a step parent adoption. If the children are older than 14 then there should also be input from them as to their... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Is it possible to have a restaining order on bio mom even though we are in the middle of the adoption?

I'm in the middle of adopting my 2 step kids (ages 8 and 7) who were horribly abused by their stepfather and mother. The mother has already lost her youngest through adoption because of the abuse. However, the kids mother has a horrible rage that she will literally go after people and has done... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jul 26, 2017

I see no problem, generally, with requesting such a restraining order. You may need to hire a lawyer as the issues may be too complex for you. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Im 16 years old in MA, what are my best options of leaving my house? that can not get in legal trouble, of course.
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on May 2, 2017

You'd have to file for emancipation in court. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: my husband who has raised our daughter his step daughter would like to adopt her how can we do this????

My daughter's birth father is out of state abusive and a criminal and has never been in my daughter's life but doesn't want to give up his parental rights..My husband has raised my daughter ( our daughter) what do we do???My husband is trying to adopt our daughter.

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Apr 28, 2017

You'd have to file to terminate the biological dad's parenting rights, and he may object to that.

See: http://www.aeesq.com/divorce-attorney/child-custody/

More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial...
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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My ex husband and his fiancé have both emailed me asking me to allow adopting of my kids. How does this benefit them?

I am a recovering alcoholic, I've already signed custody during when I was at my worst, can they use this against me?

Can they "force" me to give up my kids for adoption?

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Apr 24, 2017

They cannot force you, but they can file a motion in court requesting to terminate your parental rights. You could object in court to that. You may file for new custody/ visitation rights.

See: http://www.aeesq.com/divorce-attorney/child-custody/

More details are necessary to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Massachusetts on
Q: What are the requirements for me to get custody of my fiance's daughter

The mother of the child got arrested in California DCF to custody they contacted my fiance to take a DNA test I am his beneficiary and take care of all his stuff he wants me to take custody of the child cuz I also have four other children so I was just wondering what the requirements are for me to... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Feb 1, 2017

Typically there is no basis for custody by a non-biological parent unless there is a termination of parental rights ordered by a court followed by a legal adoption. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Family Law and Adoption for Massachusetts on
Q: Adopted a cat with ex My name on contract but His is the only signature do I have right to see the cat?

I had gone back and gotten copy of the adoption papers they have no signature on file plus I am listed as the primary with her vets. He had a romantic interest who works with dogs look over the papers and she says he is in the right but I still believe that I have rights to see the cat as well.

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 23, 2016

Your claim to ownership would depend on any agreements between you and your ex re: the cat and whether your ex gave you ownership rights of the cat at any point. As for visitation rights, unless they're agreed to in some contract with your ex or are ordered by a judge as part of some rarified... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: My son was adopted at age 33. He passed away and now I was told I have no legal rights is this true?
Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Sep 20, 2016

I guess you are his father? It also depends when he was adopted and when he died. The laws have changed in Massachusetts over the years.

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