A paternity dispute arises when there is uncertainty or disagreement regarding the legal father of a child. In Massachusetts, establishing paternity is crucial for determining parental rights and responsibilities, including custody, visitation, and child support. Paternity can be established voluntarily through an acknowledgment or involuntarily through a court order. Disputes typically occur when one party contests the paternity claim, necessitating legal intervention to resolve the matter.
Navigating a paternity dispute involves complex legal procedures and significant emotional stakes. Here’s why legal representation is essential:
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we specialize in family law matters, including paternity disputes. Our commitment to clients includes:
Experienced Family Law and Divorce Lawyers Ready to Protect Your Rights
Boston Office
55 Union Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02108
617-295-7500
Salem Office
15 Church St, Suite 105 Salem, MA 01970
978-607-0034
Office Hours
Mondays – Fridays
24/7 Support
Saturdays – Sundays
10:00am – 2:00pm
Paternity disputes can be emotionally taxing and legally intricate. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the resolution of your case. If you’re facing a paternity issue, don’t go through it alone.
Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your paternity dispute with confidence.
If a person refuses a court-ordered DNA test, the court may interpret the refusal as an indication of paternity and may issue a default judgment.
Yes, Massachusetts courts can establish paternity even if the alleged father resides in another state, using the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA).
It becomes legally binding 60 days after signing unless either party rescinds it within that time or successfully challenges it in court based on fraud or duress.
Typically, the party requesting the test pays initially, but the court may allocate costs differently depending on the case outcome.
No. A father has the legal right to file a paternity action, and the court can determine paternity over the mother’s objection if it’s in the child’s best interest.
Experienced Family Law and Divorce Lawyers Ready to Protect Your Rights
Boston Office
55 Union Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02108
617-295-7500
Salem Office
15 Church St, Suite 105 Salem, MA 01970
978-607-0034
Office Hours
Mondays – Fridays
24/7 Support
Saturdays – Sundays
10:00am – 2:00pm
The Right Strategy to Win Your Criminal Case
Disclaimer: Although I am an attorney, I am not your attorney. Please do not rely on anything on our website as legal advice because any specific advice would depend on your situation. Any results posted on this page are not guarantees of outcomes in your case.
Our Locations
Boston Office
(Cheap parking! We validate parking at 136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109 (Haymarket, Parcel 7 parking garage), $3 for three hours.)
Salem Office
Quick Links
The Right Strategy to Win Your Criminal Case
Disclaimer: Although I am an attorney, I am not your attorney. Please do not rely on anything on our website as legal advice because any specific advice would depend on your situation. Any results posted on this page are not guarantees of outcomes in your case.
Our Locations
Boston Office
(Cheap parking! We validate parking at 136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02108 (Haymarket, Parcel 7 parking garage), $3 for three hours.)
Salem Office
Quick Links