Establishing Paternity in Massachusetts
How paternity is established in Massachusetts: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: The person who gave birth and the alleged genetic parent, presumed parent or intended parent may sign a written voluntary acknowledgment of parentage before a notary and file it with the registrar of vital records and statistics or with the court. M.G.L. c. 209C, § 11
| Establishing paternity | The person who gave birth and the alleged genetic parent, presumed parent or intended parent may sign a written voluntary acknowledgment of parentage before a notary and file it with the registrar of vital records and statistics or with the court. Unless a signer rescinds within 60 days of signing, by filing a notarized rescission with the Department of Public Health or a petition in the Probate and Family Court, the acknowledgment establishes parentage with the same effect as a court judgment. After that it can be challenged only within one year and only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. If a signer is a party to a court or administrative proceeding about the child within the 60 days and does not rescind then, the acknowledgment becomes final at that point. Source: M.G.L. c. 209C, § 11 |
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Where to get help in Massachusetts
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FAQ
How do you establish paternity in Massachusetts?
The person who gave birth and the alleged genetic parent, presumed parent or intended parent may sign a written voluntary acknowledgment of parentage before a notary and file it with the registrar of vital records and statistics or with the court. Unless a signer rescinds within 60 days of signing, by filing a notarized rescission with the Department of Public Health or a petition in the Probate and Family Court, the acknowledgment establishes parentage with the same effect as a court judgment. After that it can be challenged only within one year and only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. If a signer is a party to a court or administrative proceeding about the child within the 60 days and does not rescind then, the acknowledgment becomes final at that point.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.