Paternity.
Establishing Legal Parentage—
and the Rights That Come With It .
When a child is born to unmarried parents in Massachusetts, paternity must be legally established before the court can issue orders about custody, parenting time, or child support. Whether you're a parent seeking to establish rights, confirm responsibilities, or protect your child's access to both parents, a paternity case is often the first step.
At Poppy Legal Group, we help clients navigate the paternity process with clarity, care, and a focus on long-term stability for the child.
Why Paternity Matters
Establishing paternity is about more than just a name on a birth certificate—it creates legal recognition of a parent-child relationship. Once paternity is established, the court can address:
Custody and parenting time
Child support
Health insurance and medical decisions
Inheritance and legal rights
Access to family history and benefits
👉 Learn more about child custody and child support in Massachusetts.
How Poppy Legal Group Can Help
We understand how sensitive paternity cases can be—especially when emotions run high or relationships are strained. Our role is to bring legal clarity to uncertain situations and help families move forward with thoughtful, respectful solutions.
Whether you’re starting the process or responding to one, we’re here to guide you with experience, empathy, and a focus on what’s best for the child.
How Paternity Is Established in Massachusetts
There are two main ways to establish paternity in Massachusetts:
✔️ Voluntary Acknowledgment
If both parents agree on who the biological father is, they can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage form
This can be signed at the hospital when the child is born, or later at the city or town clerk’s office
Once signed and properly filed, it has the same legal effect as a court order
✔️ Court Order (Complaint to Establish Paternity)
If paternity is disputed or hasn’t been established voluntarily, either parent may file a Complaint to Establish Paternity
The court may order genetic testing to determine biological parentage
Once paternity is legally confirmed, the court can then issue orders for custody, support, and parenting time
Common Situations Where Paternity Comes Into Play
A father wants to seek custody or parenting time but isn’t legally recognized yet
A mother wants to pursue child support from a biological father
Parents are co-parenting informally but want to formalize rights and responsibilities
There are questions about parentage that need to be resolved for legal clarity
Whether you're seeking to establish paternity or responding to a court action, having an attorney by your side can help ensure your rights—and your child’s best interests—are protected.
What If Paternity Has Already Been Established?
If paternity is not in dispute, you may still need court orders for custody, parenting time, or support. A paternity judgment can open the door to formalize those arrangements.
👉 Learn more about modifying court orders if your family’s circumstances have changed.
As of January 1, 2025, the Massachusetts Parentage Act (MPA) is officially in effect—bringing long-overdue updates to how our state recognizes and protects parent-child relationships. These changes, along with revisions to Chapter 209C (which historically governed the rights of unmarried parents), now reflect a broader, more inclusive definition of family. The law offers vital protections for families formed through assisted reproduction, LGBTQ parents, and those raising children as de facto parents. It’s a meaningful step forward in making sure all families are seen, supported, and legally protected.