Birth Certificate Paternity Rules

Summary

In Massachusetts, if a woman is married, her spouse is presumed to be the father and will be listed on the birth certificate. This process is automatic, and the state does not check marital status before issuing a birth certificate. To list a different father, disestablishment of paternity and an acknowledgment of paternity are necessary.

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Young
Hi Young, I'm here to help with your legal concern. Could you please tell me a bit more about your situation and the location you're in?
My girlfriend is legally married in Massa but we just had a child in Massachusetts I was told that if she is married that her spouse would go on the initial birth certificate. Is that true? Does the state check before issuing official birth certificate and is it automatic?
In Massachusetts:
- If a woman is married, her spouse is presumed to be the father and will be listed on the birth certificate.
- It's automatic, the state doesn't check marital status before issuing a birth certificate.
- To list you instead, disestablishment of paternity and an acknowledgement of paternity may be necessary.