Paternity Issues

Establishing paternity is a court action, which formalizes a father’s relationship to a child born out of wedlock.  Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 209C. 
 
A father and mother may establish paternity by acknowledging the father’s parentage in a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage, to be registered in court.  The issue of paternity in Massachusetts  may be contested and ruled on by the Court.
 
A couple may wish to formalize their agreements relating to the child born of their relationship with a Parenting and Support Agreement, which can be filed with the court.  A family mediator can be an excellent neutral facilitator of the discussion between the two parents, and can help them formulate an agreement that well serves their child and reduces future conflict.
 
If you are considering mediation, and would like to speak with a MCFM mediator, search our database for family mediators specializing in Paternity Issues within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
Return to Cohabitation & Non-Marital Parenting

• Cohabitation Agreements
• Child Support
• Visitation