Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Okay so my friend just found out that he got a girl pregnant, only problem is she's 16 and he is 18. Now I live in Massachusetts and some sites are saying the legal age of consent is 16 but others are saying it's 18. She is trying to tell him that if he doesn't stay with her she won't let him see the baby and he's scared to go for custody for fear of getting arrested for statutory rape. My question is, is the age of consent 16 or 18 and can he go for custody of his child even though she's 16 and he's 18 without getting arrested ?


Asked on 2/06/11, 10:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Lancia Attorney Paul Lancia

Gray area for enforcement, but the law is clear.

MGL c.272, s. 4 states under the age of 18.

Tell your friend to work it out!

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Answered on 2/08/11, 1:32 pm


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