Parents & Kids
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.
In Your State
Specific laws can vary greatly from state to state. For more information, please visit a state page:
GLAD’s Work On This Issue
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.
From the Docket
A.E.H. v. M.R.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled unanimously September 28, 2012 that Massachusetts must recognize other states’ parallel spousal… More →
Legislative Advocacy
Gay Mainers to have Family Medical Leave
Maine’s legislature passed a bill extending the protections of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to same-sex couples and their families. Working… More →
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SJC: Massachusetts Recognizes California Registered Domestic Partnerships
In an important decision issued today, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled unanimously that Massachusetts must recognize other states’… More →