Westwood Paternity Lawyer

Westwood Paternity Attorney

Establishing paternity is a critical first step for fathers seeking custody rights and visitation time with their children. Paternity can also help a mother gain financial assistance through child support payments. No matter your reason for establishing, a Westwood paternity lawyer can help you navigate the family court system with confidence.

A Trusted Family Law Firm Serving Westwood

Children have a right to know their fathers. Once the courts establish who the biological and lawful father is, the father gains both rights and responsibilities. The children benefit from financial assistance and time with their father, which is why working with a trusted law firm that understands the process for establishing paternity is so important.

Our family law attorneys take a client-focused approach to cases because we believe in taking the time to know our clients and their goals. We treat all of our clients as team members, and we always respond quickly to questions from our clients. Once you partner with Farias Family Law, you gain a trusted ally who will guide you through the paternity process.

How the Courts Establish Paternity

In Massachusetts, parentage can be established through a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage or a court order. Parents can sign an acknowledgment form at the hospital, a city clerk’s office, or the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.

If either parent is unsure of the biological relationship, a court order may be necessary. The court may require paternity testing before issuing a legal determination. If a man does not appear in court, the judge can establish parentage based on other evidence, which can include the mother’s testimony. Once parentage is established, the father’s name is added to the child’s birth certificate.

Establishing Paternity for Father’s Rights

When a father is not married to the mother of a child, the father may not have automatic rights to see their child. Before visitation rights and custody rights can be established, it is critical to establish paternity. This often involves hiring an attorney, setting a hearing, and asking the courts to establish paternity.

This is often done through genetic testing. Once the courts establish paternity, the father can work with an attorney to establish physical and legal custody of their child. This process also leads to a set visitation schedule.

Paternity for Child Support

For fathers, parental rights come with responsibilities. As the courts set custody rights, they may concurrently establish child support payments. Non-custodial parents are often required to financially contribute to the other parent to share the cost of child-rearing. Child support is typically paid monthly.

The courts may consider additional factors like:

• Child care costs
• Health insurance premiums
• The age of the child
• The number of children
• Other child support payments

The state manages the payment system, and compliance is mandatory. When setting child support payments, the courts follow state guidelines. The primary goal of child support is to provide material support to the child to assist with paying for basic necessities like food, education, transportation, and clothing.

Why Legal Representation Is Critical When Establishing Paternity

Whether you are a father seeking parental rights or a mother seeking child support, the first step is to establish paternity through the courts in Westwood. Having legal representation along the way can ensure that your rights are protected and that the courts have an accurate account of the facts.

An attorney can handle the process of petitioning the court to establish parental rights. Your lawyer can make sure that the other parent is notified of the proceedings. Once paternity is established, your attorney can make sure that child support is set fairly and that the father gains meaningful access to their child.

FAQs

Q: What Are Fathers’ Rights in Massachusetts?

A: In Westwood, Massachusetts, fathers have the right to seek custody, visitation, and decision-making authority for their children. However, unmarried fathers must establish paternity before gaining legal rights. Once recognized as the child’s legal parent, a father can petition for custody or visitation and share in parental responsibilities, including child support obligations.

Q: How Much Does a Paternity Action Cost?

A: The cost of a paternity action varies based on factors like court fees, attorney fees, and potential DNA testing expenses. Filing fees apply, and legal representation can increase costs. If paternity is contested, additional court proceedings may be necessary, leading to higher expenses. Seeking legal guidance can help clarify costs specific to your case.

Q: How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Massachusetts?

A: A family law attorney’s fees are based on the time and resources they put into your case. Most attorneys bill by the hour and require an up-front retainer as a condition of their services. If you have questions about what fees you can expect from a case, you can schedule a consultation with the attorney to learn about their hourly rate and how they bill.

Q: How Long Does a Father Have to Be Absent to Lose His Rights in Massachusetts?

A: The length of time that a father has to be absent to lose his rights depends on the circumstances of his absence. Child neglect and abandonment can provide grounds for modification of child custody rights. In cases of extreme neglect or abandonment, this could lead to the father losing his parental rights. Modifications to child custody orders are not automatic. One party must file a motion to modify the custody order and defend their arguments in court.

Schedule Your Paternity Consultation Today

Establishing paternity is an important first step that allows fathers to have visitation and legal rights to their children. These actions also allow the courts to set child support payments that can improve the living standards of the child.

Paternity cases can be complex, and anyone seeking to establish maternity should consider working with a law firm that puts the interests of their clients first. The family law attorneys at Farias Family Law can help you understand what to expect as your case moves forward, and we can handle the court filings needed to start and complete the process. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.