If I’m 17 and having a baby any day now and the baby’s father doesn’t think he is the father, do I have a legal obligation to put his name on the birth certificate?
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If I’m 17 and having a baby any day now and the baby’s father doesn’t think he is the father, do I have a legal obligation to put his name on the birth certificate?
Asked on October 3, 2012 under Family Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
You should consider his position and arrange for a blood test to ensure he is the father so for your child's sake you can obtain and enforce child support obligations he will have. Further, this will substantiate your claim and put an end to his theories. Further, the two of you can then work on the next steps, like custody orders and visitation. You can then rectify the birth certificate issue. He may wish to see the test results before agreeing to place his name on the certificate but either way, don't immediately discount it for your child's sake.
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