Paternity Attorney in Newton & Boston
Effective Representation for MA Paternity Laws
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. Upon divorcing, a father may request a paternity hearing if he believes the child isn’t his.
Regardless of the details surrounding your particular case, The Halks Firm is prepared to effectively navigate you through Massachusetts’ paternity laws. To learn how our Newton paternity attorney can help, call (781) 995-0107.
Paternity Issues 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.
How Does Establishing Paternity Affect a Child?
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.
To protect your rights and the rights of your children throughout a divorce proceeding, don’t hesitate to speak with our Newton family law attorneys at (781) 995-0107.