Paternity
Paternity Lawyer in Springfield, Massachusetts
Do You Need a Paternity Lawyer in Massachusetts? Learn How Our Middlesex and Hampden Counties Family Lawyers can Help!
The name of a child’s father does not always appear on the birth certificate. In cases where establishing paternity is difficult or contested, Murphy & Rudolf, LLP can provide experienced representation.
A paternity lawyer may be able to help a child gain certain rights, including:
- Health insurance coverage
- Inheritance
- Child support
- Support from public or military benefits
- Parenting time
- Life insurance coverage
- Financial and emotional support from extended family relationships
Circumstances that could lead to problems in establishing paternity include that the mother did not know the identity of the father or that the father did not want to sign the birth certificate. It may also be that the mother was married and her husband’s name, in accordance with Massachusetts law, had to go on the birth certificate even though he was not the biological father.
Whatever the case, our firm has paternity lawyer options for you in both Springfield and Worcester who can provide legal guidance in helping you identify and confirm the father of your child and address issues of custody, parenting time, child support, or even moving out of state.
Understanding Paternity Issues in Springfield, Massachusetts: Local Resources
Living in Springfield, Massachusetts, you may be familiar with the local challenges and resources available for establishing paternity. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Hampden County Probate and Family Court are key entities that can assist in these matters. However, navigating the legal landscape can be complex, especially when dealing with contested paternity cases.
Springfield residents often face unique challenges, such as the need for accurate paternity determination to access local health insurance programs or to secure inheritance rights for their children. Additionally, the local community values strong family ties, making it crucial to establish paternity for emotional and financial support from extended family members.
At Murphy & Rudolf, LLP, we understand the specific needs of Springfield families. Whether you're dealing with a situation where the father's identity is unknown, or disputes over signing the birth certificate, our local knowledge and legal guidance can help you through the process. We are well-versed in the Hampden County Probate and Family Court procedures and can assist you in securing child support, parenting time, and other benefits for your child.
Our familiarity with Springfield and its surrounding areas, including Worcester, allows us to provide tailored legal services that address our clients' specific pain points. We are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of paternity law and ensuring that your child's rights and well-being are protected.
How a Paternity Lawyer Can Help
In Massachusetts there are two ways to establish paternity. You can sign a voluntary acknowledgment, which is commonly done by the birth certificate, or you can ask the Probate and Family Court to issue a judgment of paternity. If paternity is not voluntarily acknowledged or if there is a mistake with the acknowledgment (like the wrong father is acknowledged), then the parent seeking to establish paternity will need a court judgment. This is where a paternity lawyer is most valuable.
When a court case is filed, the parties can ask either the Massachusetts Department of Revenue or a private lab to administer a genetic marker paternity test. The results will then be submitted to the court and will be used to adjudicate the father. For contested paternity cases, the Worcester and Springfield family law attorneys at Murphy & Rudolf, LLP can use 50 years of combined experience to help you seek a favorable outcome. If you need a paternity lawyer in Massachusetts, then you need to contact our representatives today.
Request a FREE Consultation or Call (508) 570-3037. We are devoted to effective trial lawyering. We know how to deliver aggressive defense strategies and we know how to speak to juries and judges alike.
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