Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Re: Paternity Responsibility

Perhaps you might retain an attorney with whom you could discuss the possibility of this man actually being your son and your options for determining this and for communicating initially through your attorney.

Re: Paternity Responsibility

Not if he is an adult. Forgetting the issue of support, you can call the police department and report harassing telephone calls.

Re: Paternity Responsibility

You have no legal responsibility to this man. I would suggest that you amend your Will to specifically disinherit this man or any other child not specifically named by you.

This man may want to meet you and put things in perspective for him. You might want to meet him and then get rid of him. You can file for a protective order if you think he is a danger to you or your family and there is a reasonable basis for you to believe this to be true.

Good Luck.

Re: Paternity Responsibility

You have every right to advise the young man that -you- have not been tested, and -you- have not acknowledged paternity. Thus, while you may indeed be his father, you have no legal obligation to him. You can thus make clear that his continued contact is not desired, and must stop, at risk of your seeking civil orders from a court.

If it continues after this communication, you have to be ready to take the action you warn against.

In addition, this contact could be deemed misdemeanor harassment.

I am not sure why this is putting stress on your family, as you do not say. You should deal with this in counseling or some other means so that you do not have things fall apart.

Finally, there is case law allowing collection of the cost of raising a child in certain situations. Though those are relatively narrow, you may want to get a full legal consultation.