Do You Need to Establish Paternity to Get Child Support in Massachusetts?

Nearly 40% of children in the United States are born outside of marriage, according to recent statistics. As a result, there is an increasing number of single parents navigating difficult circumstances regarding child support, paternity, and custody. If you’ve recently had a child, you may need financial support from the other parent, but you may also have concerns about establishing their paternity. After all, establishing paternity often means opening up the floor for discussions regarding custody and parental decision-making – something that you might not want to give up. So, what are your options?

Our team at Wright Family Law Group has spent years helping parents seek child support for their children in Massachusetts. We want you to have all the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your child. In this post, we’ll explore whether establishing paternity is necessary to get child support in Massachusetts and what it entails.

Child Support in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law states that both parents are responsible for supporting their child until they reach the age of 18 or complete high school. This means that even if you were not married to your child’s other parent, they still have an obligation to contribute financially towards raising their child. However, this responsibility can only be enforced through legal means, which is where establishing paternity becomes crucial. If paternity is not established, the other parent is not legally recognized as the child’s parent. This means they have no financial obligations to the child and no parental rights, such as custody or visitation.

How to Establish Paternity and Seek Child Support in Massachusetts

There are two ways to establish paternity in Massachusetts: voluntarily or through a court order. If both parents agree on the child’s parentage, they can sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity form and have it notarized. This document establishes paternity without requiring court involvement.

However, if one parent disputes the child’s parentage, the other parent must file a Complaint for Support with the court to establish paternity. The court can then order genetic testing to determine paternity. If this process confirms paternity, the father will be required to financially support the child.

Why Establishing Paternity Is Important for Your Child

You may be hesitant to establish paternity and seek child support due to fears of losing custody or decision-making power over your child. However, paternity is about more than child support. Once paternity is legally recognized, the child can access important information such as their medical history and potential inheritance rights. Additionally, knowing both parents’ identities allows for a more complete sense of identity and belonging for the child. Moreover, establishing paternity also opens up opportunities for the child to receive other benefits, including social security or veteran’s benefits from their father.

Protecting Your Rights While Seeking Child Support

Working with a family law attorney is essential when navigating the complexities of establishing paternity and protecting your parental rights. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are upheld while advocating for what is best for your child. Establishing paternity opens the door to child support, custody, and visitation plans, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

If you believe that establishing custody may not be in your child’s best interest—such as in cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, or other harmful behaviors—you have the right to raise those concerns. An attorney will help you present these issues effectively to the court, ensuring your child’s well-being is prioritized in any legal decisions. By seeking professional legal support, you can approach this sensitive process with confidence, knowing that your child’s safety and future are being protected.

Let Wright Family Law Protect Your Child’s Future

Ultimately, if you want to seek child support in Massachusetts, establishing paternity is crucial. It not only ensures financial support for your child but also provides important benefits for their well-being and identity. However, it is essential to work with a knowledgeable family law attorney who can help you protect your rights and navigate the legal process successfully. At Wright Family Law Group, we are dedicated to helping parents secure the best possible outcomes for their children. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us guide you through this challenging process with compassion and skill.