Paternity Lawyer in the Boston Area

Fathers have the right to be part of their children’s lives. Mothers are entitled to receive financial support from their child’s father for the child. Most importantly, children need the love and support of both parents whenever possible. I have 25 years of experience protecting the rights of both mothers and fathers. Our children deserve no less.

Protecting Father’s Rights

Fathers who are not married to their child’s mother sometimes do not realize that they have rights. You may be entitled to visitation or shared custody of your child. The first step in securing your rights is to acknowledge your paternity or ask for a DNA test to prove that you are the father through a Complaint for Paternity in the Probate and Family Court. This suit can be filed at any point in the life of a child under 18. Once paternity is established, you have the right to request custody and visitation from a Massachusetts Probate and Family Court.

Protecting Mother’s Rights

A mother who is the custodial parent has the right to be supported by the father of her child. A man cannot simply waive his rights or responsibilities as a father. Through a paternity action, a court can order at any time that the legal father pay support as long as the child is under the age of 18. Paternity actions can be filed by either the mother or the putative father (the man assumed to be or regarded as the father).

Key Practice Areas

• Divorce
• Mediation
• Collaborative Law
• Child Custody & Visitation
• Child Support & Alimony
• Division of Assets
• Modifications & Contempts
• Juvenile Guardianships
• Juvenile Law / Abuse & Neglect
• Paternity