http://www.mombian.com/2008/05/19/non-bio-mom-not-de-facto-in-maryland/ Sustenance for Lesbian Moms Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:39:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://www.mombian.com/2008/05/19/non-bio-mom-not-de-facto-in-maryland/comment-page-1/#comment-76608 Dana Tue, 20 May 2008 19:09:39 +0000 http://www.mombian.com/?p=2224#comment-76608 Good point--this is what the National Center for Lesbian Rights has <a href="http://www.mombian.com/2007/01/30/interview-with-cathy-sakimura-of-the-national-center-for-lesbian-rights/" rel="nofollow">advised</a>, too. Aside from any Massachusetts ramifications, without an adoption, families could face difficulties when traveling elsewhere--and the child would not receive the non-bio mom's federal Social Security benefits if the mom dies when the child is still a minor. Good point–this is what the National Center for Lesbian Rights has advised, too. Aside from any Massachusetts ramifications, without an adoption, families could face difficulties when traveling elsewhere–and the child would not receive the non-bio mom’s federal Social Security benefits if the mom dies when the child is still a minor.

]]> http://www.mombian.com/2008/05/19/non-bio-mom-not-de-facto-in-maryland/comment-page-1/#comment-76607 Anonymous Tue, 20 May 2008 15:19:29 +0000 http://www.mombian.com/?p=2224#comment-76607 While you point out that de facto parenthood is recognized in Massachusetts I just wanted to add a cautionary statement. After A.H. v. M.P., in Massachusetts if the de facto parent does not follow through with the co-adoption they are at a very high risk of still being treated as a third party and denied access to their children. Do not risk it. Co-adopt as soon as possible as failure to do so often results in the non-biological parent being prevented from seeing her child. Massachusetts has no where near the protections of California law when it comes to parental rights. You must formalize your relationship with marriage and co-adoption for your family structure to really be safe. While you point out that de facto parenthood is recognized in Massachusetts I just wanted to add a cautionary statement. After A.H. v. M.P., in Massachusetts if the de facto parent does not follow through with the co-adoption they are at a very high risk of still being treated as a third party and denied access to their children. Do not risk it. Co-adopt as soon as possible as failure to do so often results in the non-biological parent being prevented from seeing her child. Massachusetts has no where near the protections of California law when it comes to parental rights. You must formalize your relationship with marriage and co-adoption for your family structure to really be safe.

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