Danvers Paternity Lawyers

Family Lawyers Serving Essex County, the North Shore & Greater Boston

Understanding paternity is essential to Massachusetts family law, as it determines a child’s legal relationship with their father. In Massachusetts, establishing paternity protects a child’s rights and makes both parents legally responsible through ensuing child support or custody actions. 

At Broderick & Mastrapasqua, LLC, we understand that navigating paternity actions can be a complex and emotionally charged experience. Our skilled team can provide compassionate and knowledgeable support tailored to your unique situation. 

Whether you are an unmarried mother seeking to establish paternity to secure child support or an unmarried father seeking to play a central role in your child’s life through custody rights, we can help. Our team can inform and empower you as we work together to protect your child’s rights and best interests per Massachusetts family law. 

Request a free case assessment with a Danvers paternity attorney at Broderick & Mastrapasqua, LLC by phone at (978) 721-8861. You can also submit our online contact form to get started. 

Establishing Paternity in Massachusetts

Paternity can be established through several methods, the most straightforward being voluntary acknowledgment. This process typically involves both parents signing a document known as the “Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage” (VAP) at the hospital when the child is born or afterward through local registries. 

This acknowledgment must be made willingly and with an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of parenthood. Once signed, the VAP is filed with the state, legally establishing the father’s paternity and granting him rights and obligations, such as child support and visitation.

If voluntary acknowledgment is not feasible, paternity can also be established through a family court order. The court may require DNA testing to ascertain the father’s parentage in such cases. This blood test is highly accurate and can provide a clear conclusion regarding paternity. 

Addressing paternity matters promptly is essential, as establishing legal parentage not only secures the child’s access to benefits and support but also fosters important custody and visitation rights for fathers. At Broderick & Mastrapasqua, LLC, we can guide you through each step of the paternity establishment process to secure these rights and your child’s best interests.

The Benefits of Establishing Paternity for Children

Establishing paternity provides parents and children with certain legal benefits. Children gain legal rights to financial support, inheritance, and employment or governmental benefits from both parents. Paternity leads to a better emotional connection with parents, which can foster a more supportive environment for children. 

A strong bond with a father figure can provide emotional security and stability crucial for a child’s development. It can help in building a foundation of trust and reliability. Fathers serve as role models, demonstrating behaviors and attitudes that children may adopt. A healthy father-child relationship can teach essential life skills, such as responsibility, respect, and empathy.

Establishing paternity can also impart cultural, family, and personal history, helping children understand their heritage and identity. Additionally, it provides access to family medical data, which can be vital for a child’s healthcare decisions and treatments.