- having a genetic relationship with the child
- intending to be a parent
- holding oneself out as a parent
- having a presumption of parentage due to marriage
Parentage is so important because children gain important rights and benefits when parentage is established. For example, it protects public and private benefits like Social Security benefits, military and veterans’ benefits, inheritance rights, and health insurance.
Establishing parentage means both parents’ names are listed on the child’s birth certificate, not just the one who gave birth. They both then have legal rights and responsibilities towards their children.
Actions to establish parentage can be filed in court by the person who gave birth, the person with a genetic relationship, the person who intended to be a parent, or the MA Department of Revenue (or Child Support Services division).