Paternity
When parents are unmarried, mothers are presumed to have custody until paternity has been adjudicated. Child support and parenting plans can be ordered in paternity cases. Attorney Carpenter has assisted many clients, both mothers and fathers, in the request for parenting plans and child support orders.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When in need of an attorney, one looks for a person with integrity who is professional, knowledgeable and responsive… as has been my experience with Mr. Robert Carpenter. I highly recommend him.He provided personal attention to my case and excellent . Look no further.No 1 Law firm in the Massachusetts.
God bless them,
George
Why Establishing Paternity Matters
Establishing paternity gives a child legal recognition of both parents. It ensures the child has access to financial support, health insurance, inheritance rights, and important medical history from both sides of the family. For fathers, it creates the opportunity to seek custody or visitation and build a meaningful relationship with their child.
How Paternity Is Established in Massachusetts
There are two main ways to establish legal paternity in Massachusetts:
Voluntary Acknowledgment
If both parents agree on the identity of the father, they can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage form. Once filed with the state, this document grants the father legal rights and responsibilities without needing a court order.
Court-Ordered Paternity
If paternity is disputed or unclear, either parent can file a Complaint to Establish Paternity. The court may order genetic testing to determine biological parentage. If paternity is confirmed, the court will issue an official order establishing the father as the legal parent.
Legal Implications of Paternity
Once paternity is legally established:
- The father gains legal rights, such as the ability to request custody or visitation.
- The child becomes eligible for support, medical insurance, inheritance, and other benefits from the father.
- The father becomes legally responsible for contributing to the child’s financial well-being, typically through child support.
Establishing paternity brings clarity, accountability, and legal protections to everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
It gives your child access to support, insurance, inheritance rights, and a fuller medical history—while also allowing both parents to be legally recognized.
Yes. If a paternity case is brought to court and the father refuses to acknowledge the child, the court can order DNA testing to determine parentage.
Once paternity is legally confirmed, the father becomes financially responsible for the child, and a child support order can be issued by the court.
You have the right to request a DNA test before signing any documents. If paternity has already been legally established, you may need to file a legal action to challenge it.
Law Offices of Robert W. Carpenter
Our Location