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C978 · Nov 19, 2008, 07:43 PM

I have a serious question about the laws on adoption in Massachusetts. I know someone with a 1year old child that would like to put her child up for adoption to a family that she has chosen that is not in any way related to her. The question is that if she was to do something like that would her blood relatives such as the baby's biological grandparent be able to stop that process? She would like her baby to go to a family but the relative says no way will she let her put her child for adoption because she says she is the grandmother of the baby+can have a say? Anyone with any knowledge on this topic please let me know? Thank you:)

Synnen · Nov 20, 2008, 06:53 AM

NO ONE can stop the biological parents from choosing adoption if both biological parents agree to it.

One biological parent can put serious monkey wrenches in it for another biological parent, but that's it.

Just as no one can be forced to HAVE to choose adoption--no one can be forced NOT to choose adoption either.

Grandparents may have SOME rights in SOME cases dealing with custody, but once a child is legally adoption, grandparents (like biological parents) have no rights to the child.

The ONLY way I can think someone would be able to stop an adoption would be to PROVE that the biological parents were making the decision when they were not of sound mind.

Synnen · Nov 21, 2008, 01:40 PM

Actually, Steve... it doesn't matter if both bio parents are over 18 or not.

They are STILL the parents of the child in question, and STILL have the final say in the welfare of their child.

Again, unless someone can prove that they do not have the mental capacity to make the decision, no one can stop them from choosing adoption, nor make them choose adoption.

I was 17 when I made my choice---in direct opposition to my parents.

My cousin chose to parent at 15--agasint the wishes of her parents who wanted her to give the child up for adoption.

Age has nothing to do with it. Only the mental ability to understand your decision.

stevetcg · Nov 21, 2008, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by Synnen

actually, Steve...it doesn't matter if both bio parents are over 18 or not.

They are STILL the parents of the child in question, and STILL have the final say in the welfare of their child.

Again, unless someone can prove that they do not have the mental capacity to make the decision, no one can stop them from choosing adoption, nor make them choose adoption.

I was 17 when I made my choice---in direct opposition to my parents.

My cousin chose to parent at 15--agasint the wishes of her parents who wanted her to give the child up for adoption.

Age has nothing to do with it. Only the mental ability to understand your decision.

I just read that and was coming back to correct myself. :)

div2wice · Nov 21, 2008, 08:54 PM

I agree with all the answers. The age of the biological parents does not matter, no one, not their parents or grandparents, etc. can stop an adoption of both biological parents sign over their rights.
If it's a private adoption, the interested family may be able to contact the prospective adoptive parents and discuss their interest in staying in the baby's life, however that is completely up to them to decide.