The share of U.S. children living with an unmarried parent has more than doubled since 1968, jumping from 13% to 32% in 2017. That trend has been accompanied by a drop in the share of children living with two married parents, down from 85% in 1968 to 65%. Some 3% of...
Paternity
What Rights Do Unwed Fathers Have in Massachusetts?
These days, more and more Massachusetts couples are having children without ever being married to each other. Unfortunately a large percentage of Massachusetts families do not have fathers present in the home, and countless children who were born out of wedlock do not...
Infograghic: Fathers: Don’t Miss Out On Being A Part of Your Baby’s First Year
Many Massachusetts dads end up facing the unfortunate reality of a disagreeable ex spouse or girlfriend attempting to deny them their parenting time. When that happens, it's so tempting to lose your cool, but that inevitably ends up being counterproductive. Rather it...
3 Promising Paternity Technologies of the Near Future in Massachusetts
Paternity testing has become the de facto method of determining fatherhood in Massachusetts, especially in disputed cases that end up in court. But not all cases need to go to court. Here are three cutting-edge paternity technologies that show great promise for the...
Unequal Rights For Children Born Out of Wedlock in Massachusetts
Record numbers of children in Massachusetts are being born out of wedlock, but few parents stop to understand the legal implications. Sociologists suggest the increased numbers of children being born out of wedlock is caused by an American attitude that marriage is...
Fathers: Why You Need to Sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity
Whether you are in an unmarried partnership, are in the midst of a divorce, or are planning to re-marry in the near future and share a child with someone else, paternity establishment is important in Massachusetts. It ensures your rights as a parent are protected and...
Thinking Ahead: Pre-birth Custody and Parenting in Massachusetts
When parents aren't living together as a child's birth approaches, the family may benefit from having pre-birth orders spelling out what will happen at the hospital and beyond. Pre-birth orders sought in Massachusetts help preserve a calm environment for the child's...
What is the Biggest Mistake Fathers Make in Paternity Cases in Massachusetts?
Question: What is the Biggest Mistake Fathers Make in Paternity Cases in Massachusetts?Answer: Delaying. Many fathers wait too long to legally establish paternity in the family court. While many fathers do not understand the importance of having the family court...
How to Establish Paternity Rights in Massachusetts
Here in Massachusetts, child custody and parenting disputes can become complicated if the children at issue were born out of wedlock. There are several different avenues for establishing parentage in this state.The most traditional option occurs if the biological...
New Prenatal Paternity Test Could Lead to Legal Changes
The issue of paternity is an important one. Not only does it matter emotionally, but it is also an incredibly important legal (and financial) issue that impacts significant rights and obligations. In cases where paternity is not definitively known, determining who the...