Paternity

Paternity Lawyer in Newton, MA

Comprehensive Legal Support for Paternity Matters in Massachusetts

Paternity establishes a legal relationship between a father and his child and both a father or mother can initiate a paternity action which can be brought to obtain child support or visitation and custody rights.

The Halks Firm is prepared to effectively navigate you through Massachusetts’ paternity laws. Learn how our Newton paternity attorney can help – call our firm at (781) 995-0107.

Understanding Paternity Laws in Massachusetts

Our experienced paternity attorney is knowledgeable of how the Massachusetts family courts treat paternity matters. There are many different circumstances clients can find themselves in that will affect how they should proceed with their case.

Paternity Considerations During Divorce

  • Upon divorcing, a father may request a paternity hearing if he believes the child is not his.

Paternity Challenges for Unwed Parents

  • If you and the other parent of your child did not get married but are separating, you will still have to support your child.
  • Massachusetts laws dictate that you are responsible for supporting your child until age 18 if he or she does not attend college and to age 23 if he or she does.

Should I Initiate a Paternity Action?

If you are wondering if it is a good idea for you to initiate a paternity action, consider the following:

  • For a father: Establishing paternity is almost always advised. This should be done before you agree to any custody, visitation, or child support agreement.
  • For a mother: It is usually wise to not push the supposed father to obtain paternity testing if he has already agreed to pay child support. In Massachusetts, once you agree to pay support, you will be bound by this agreement.

Impact of Establishing Paternity on Children

When paternity is established, a child should be supported by both parents, can be included in the health insurance of either parent, can receive benefits that both parents have earned, can inherit from both parents, and can have a relationship with both parents.

Navigating Paternity Issues in Newton, MA

Navigating paternity issues can be particularly challenging, especially for families facing the complexities of child support and custody arrangements. Local resources, such as the Newton Family Services and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, provide valuable information and support for parents dealing with these matters. However, many individuals still find themselves overwhelmed by the legal processes involved.

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  • Assists with All Documents & Negotiations
    You're never alone in this process. We're here to help you every step of the way.
  • Consistent Communication
    We focus on individual attention to each one of our clients.
  • Experienced Trial Attorney
    Attorney Nicholas Halks has tried over 40 cases.
  • Award-Winning Representation
    Attorney Nicholas Halks is recognized by legal organizations such as Avvo, CALI, and The National Advocates.
  • Free, No-Obligation Consultations
    We offer free consultations to discuss your case and consider your options.

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At The Halks Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “Thank you Nick for your support and encouragement through such a difficult time in my life. My appreciation is beyond words.”
    Nick Halks...This attorney is the best! His devotion and empathy for his clients is something that is hard to find. His knowledge is beyond anything I ever expected. Thank you Nick for your support and encouragement through such a difficult time in my life. My appreciation is beyond words. You are the BEST!!
    T.J.
    “It was the hardest experience in my life but Attorney Halks was my savior from day one.”
    I recently got divorced. I went through serious trauma in my married life and It was the hardest experience in my life but Attorney Halks was my savior from day one. From the initial consultation to post divorce he was there for me. He and his legal team were always there whenever I reached out, and had answers to my concerns within minutes. I genuinely appreciate his efforts to resolve the situation peacefully, though my ex-wife was literally abusive. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney. Thanks a lot Attorney Halks !!!
    Jay
    “His support and his ability to see my concerns as important to him made my experience beyond comfortable”
    Choosing Nick Halks as my attorney was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Nick is extremely professional, knowledgeable and caring. He always went out of his way to answer any questions and concerns I had in a timely manner. His support and his ability to see my concerns as important to him made my experience beyond comfortable. His knowledge for the law is extremely impressive. I am more than happy to be able to say Nick Halks is a fabulous attorney! Thank you for your devotion Nick. I’m beyond grateful!
    Ashley
    “He doesn’t back down or make promises he can’t make come true.”
    Attorney Nick Halks is an excellent attorney. He not only takes the time to work with you but he is very attentive to detail and unlike many attorneys he works for you and most importantly gets the results you want! Nick is an all around very knowledgeable family attorney and aggressive when it comes to getting results. He doesn’t back down or make promises he can’t make come true. From day one my case was difficult and he never promised me something that couldn’t happen but in the end he was able to get more then ever talked about. His ability to work well with clients and other attorneys makes him an exceptional attorney and very well respected. Look no further when in need of a family law attorney as I have had multiple and Nick by far is the only one to provide results in a case where most attorneys offered no hope!
    Savanna