Worcester County Paternity Lawyers
In the past, the courts often favored mothers in child custody, visitation and child support proceedings. Today, the importance of fathers in the life of a child is understood by the courts. Through paternity actions, fathers can assert their rights and play a more integral part in the lives of their children.
At The Law Offices of Bailey & Burke, we represent clients in paternity proceedings in Worcester County. To speak to an attorney regarding your paternity, child custody, child support, or related issue, please call 1(888) 368-0893 or contact us online.
When Is it Necessary to Establish Paternity?
In Massachusetts, establishing paternity is important for individuals in the following circumstances:
- When a child is born out of wedlock and the father is not designated on the birth certificate. Our law firm routinely assists clients with genetic testing to establish paternity. Once established, we address issues of child custody, visitation, finances, health insurance, and other matters.
- When a child is born to an unmarried couple, but the father is named on the birth certificate. In this case, there is no need to establish paternity, but rather an "action to establish support, custody, and visitation."
When a child is born to an unmarried couple and the father is not named on the birth certificate, the mother is assumed to be the sole legal and physical custodian of the child.
Child Support
Once parentage has been legally determined, child support can be enforced. In Massachusetts, child support is determined according to child support guidelines. This considers the gross income of each parent, healthcare costs of the child, cost of childcare, either parent's prior child support obligations to other children, and other factors. Sometimes the father named on the birth certificate, whether the couple is married or not, at later finds out the child is not biologically his. In that circumstance, the father may be able to bring an action to remove his obligation for further support.
Contact Us
The Law Offices of Bailey & Burke in Clinton can help you determine paternity and deal with all related matters. Contact our lawyers today by calling us at 1(888) 368-0893.
