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 that your child's rights are protected as well. Without establishing paternity, your child's medical and financial benefits might be at stake, and your parenting privileges can be compromised.
Fathers: Why You Need to Sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity
Cohabitating Couples in Massachusetts Need Clear Agreements
Massachusetts does not recognize any rights for a couple that cohabit. This means that if you are in an unmarried relationship and it fails, you do not have the right to separate support, alimony, property division or claim for loss of consortium. Also, Massachusetts does not recognize "common law marriage".
