Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

Celebrating 30 years as New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.

Rights & Resources Parents & Kids

Parents & Kids

Our communities are stronger and healthier when LGBT parents are fully recognized under the law, all parents can provide security for their families, and the law puts children's needs first.

At a Glance

New England has been fertile territory for GLAD’s family law work. LGBT individuals may adopt children in any New England state, and firmly-established law allows same-sex couples to adopt jointly in Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, and - in most cases - New Hampshire and Rhode Island. In addition, a number of state courts have made it possible for a non-biological parent to pursue custody and visitation as a “de facto” parent, protecting the irreplaceable relationship between parent and child.

Parents & Kids: Information for Your State

Specific laws can vary
greatly from state to state

For more information, please visit a state page:

GLAD's Work On Parents & Kids

From the Docket

Miller-Jenkins v. Miller-Jenkins

Victory • 2008

Since 2005, GLAD has been representing Vermont resident Janet Jenkins for all… Read More

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

Gay Mainers to have Family Medical Leave

June 08, 2007

Maine’s legislature passed a bill extending the protections of the Family Medical… Read More

See All Legislative News »

News

Vermont Supreme Court Upholds Visitation for Janet Jenkins and Daughter

March 17, 2008

Vermont’s highest court issued a ruling on March 14 upholding visitation rights… Read More

Read All GLAD News »

Publications

Share Your Story

Stories Matter

The more people know their LGBT and HIV+ family, friends, and neighbors, the more likely they are to support our rights and help us work toward full equality.Read More