5 Broadview Street Acton, MA 01720
978-263-5400 (phone)
1-877-652-6678 (toll-free for birthparents)
978-266-1909 (fax)
karen@bright-futures.org
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5 Broadview Street Acton, MA 01720 |
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Massachusetts Adoption Services Agreement |
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This Agreement is between Bright Futures Adoption Center, Inc., a Massachusetts charitable corporation located at 5 Broadview Street, Acton, MA 01720 (“Bright Futures”) and the adoptive parent(s) listed below (the “Adoptive Parent(s)”): ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Adoption ServicesThe Adoptive Parent(s) wish to obtain from Bright Futures, and Bright Futures shall provide, the adoption services specified below and described in more detail on the Schedule of Fees and Services attached to this Agreement and included as a part of this Agreement (all services checked will be referred to collectively as the “Services”): ___ Home Study In exchange for the Services, the Adoptive Parents agree to pay to Bright Futures the amount for the Services indicated in the Schedule of Fees and Services. Payment for all Services shall be made by the Adoptive Parent(s) as indicated in the Schedule of Fees and Services. Payment for any direct costs incurred by Bright Futures in connection with work done for the Adoptive Parents, such as telephone and fax charges, overnight courier or other expedited mail service, notarization charges, mileage (at the federal rate) and parking shall be due upon invoice by Bright Futures. The Adoptive Parent(s) understand and agree that fees paid to Bright Futures are nonrefundable. The Adoptive Parent(s) understand and agree that this is not an agreement for the assignment or placement of a child and that assignment or placement of a child will be covered by a direct agreement between the Adoptive Parent(s) and their child-placing agency. The Adoptive Parent(s) understand that fees related to the assignment or placement of a child, including placement fees, birth parent expenses and fees of other adoption professionals or out-of-state agencies, will be as indicated in the agreement with the child-placing agency. Adoptive Parent Responsibilities The Adoptive Parent(s) will deliver to Bright Futures all documentation and information requested by Bright Futures and will cooperate with Bright Futures to make the provision of Services as expeditious as possible. The Adoptive Parent(s) acknowledge that prior to approval of their home study, they must participate in the then-current adoption education program for pre-adoptive parents offered by Bright Futures. All couples will be asked to participate in at least 2 two-hour trainings in addition to the home study visits. If the Adoptive Parent(s) are considering a transracial placement, additional training will be required. The Adoptive Parent(s) will not pay money directly to any birth parent either during or after pregnancy for any reason. If a birth parent requires financial assistance of any sort, such financial assistance may be provided by the Adoptive Parent(s), as permitted by applicable law, through an escrow account maintained for that purpose by the child-placing agency. The Adoptive Parent(s) agree to assume responsibility for the adoptive placement the Adoptive Parent(s) are pursuing and understand and agree that he/she/they are pursuing this adoption at their own risk. The Adoptive Parent(s) will not hold Bright Futures liable for any claims relating to the adoption that are not related to the Services actually provided by Bright Futures. In no event will Bright Futures be liable for any amount in excess of the amount paid by the Adoptive Parent(s) to Bright Futures. Once a child is placed in the Adoptive Parent(s)’ home for the purpose of adoption, the Adoptive Parent(s) agree to assume all financial responsibility for the child, including, but not limited to, medical expenses of the child (even if the child’s condition was not present or diagnosed at the time of placement). In the unlikely event that the child must be removed from the Adoptive Parent(s)’ home prior to legal finalization of the adoption, the Adoptive Parent(s) agree to assume the costs of the child’s care until financial responsibility is assumed by other persons or another organization. General Terms The Adoptive Parent(s) understand that adoption involves complex legal considerations and that, although Bright Futures’ attorney is happy to provide legal services initiated at the Adoptive Parent(s)’ request, such as legal finalization in Massachusetts, Bright Futures’ attorney represents the interests of Bright Futures. In certain situations, the Adoptive Parent(s)’ interest may differ from those of Bright Futures and the Adoptive Parent(s) may wish to retain separate legal counsel. This Agreement shall be governed by the substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I/We, the Adoptive Parent(s), have read, understand and agree to abide by the terms of this Agreement. ADOPTIVE PARENT(S): BRIGHT FUTURES ADOPTION CENTER, INC.
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