Adoption is a legal process in which an adult person assumes responsibility for the care and support of another person (usually a child) who is not the adoptive parent's biological child. Intercountry adoption is the process by which you adopt a child from a country other than your own through permanent legal means and then bring that child to your country of residence to live with you permanently.

In Massachusetts, adoption is governed by state statutes that outline the legal process for an adult to become the legal parent of a child who is not their biological offspring. This process involves a court procedure where the adoptive parents must demonstrate their ability to care for and support the child. The Massachusetts adoption laws are found in the Massachusetts General Laws (MGL), specifically in Chapters 210 and 211B. Intercountry adoption, on the other hand, involves additional federal regulations and international treaties, such as the Hague Adoption Convention, which the United States has ratified. Prospective adoptive parents must comply with the laws of both the child's home country and U.S. federal law, including obtaining an immigrant visa for the child, completing a home study, and securing approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is important for those considering intercountry adoption to work with an agency that is accredited to handle such adoptions and to consult with an attorney who specializes in this area to navigate the complex legal requirements.