Section 2A. No decree of adoption shall be entered for the adoption of a child below the age of fourteen until one of the following conditions has been met:—

Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 210 sec. 2A

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Probate: Proving a will

(A) The child sought to be adopted has been placed with the petitioners for adoption by the department of children and families or by an agency authorized by said department for such purpose, or

(B) The petitioner is a blood relative of the child sought to be adopted, or

(C) The petitioner is a step-parent of the child sought to be adopted, or

(D) The petitioner was nominated in the will of a deceased natural parent of the child as a guardian or an adoptive parent, or

(E) The petition for adoption has been approved in writing by the department of children and families or by an agency authorized by said department. Any petitioner aggrieved by the refusal of the department or of an agency to approve such petition after being requested to do so, may appeal such refusal to the probate court in which the petition for adoption is pending, which court shall make final determination as to the allowance or dismissal of the petition.

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