Instructions: Complaint to establish paternity

Instructions and information to assist you in filing a complaint to establish paternity.

See G.L. c.209C

Probate and Family Court Uniform Guide to Filings

You may file your paperwoerk in person, by mail or eFile at your local Probate and Family Court to establish that an individual is the parent of a child where the parents have never married.

There is a filing fee of $120, except in cases filed by the IV-D agency.

Please Note: You must file a separate complaint for each child.

Required at initial filing

• Complaint to Establish Paternity (CJD 106)
• Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit. 
  • Supplemental Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit.
• If plaintiff has an attorney: Uniform Counsel Certification Form (CCF)
  • Instructions on Uniform Counsel Certification Form

Additional filings

These forms are not required at initial filing. These forms may need to be filed before the court can give you a hearing date or have your case heard by a judge. The division where you file can help answer questions on when these forms should be filed.

• Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
  • Strongly recommended at time of initial filing
  • If unable to obtain a certified copy:
    • Motion to Order Release of Certified Copy of Birth Certificate to the Court, OR
    • Motion to File Late with supporting Affidavit or Verified Motion
• Military Affidavit when the defendant does not file an answer or appearance, or not appear on the hearing date. If you do not have a lawyer and are representing yourself in a case, use the Military Affidavit Instructions for Self-Represented Litigants to help you fill out the Military Affidavit form.

Additional Resources

Legal Assistance

Instructions for completing the Child Support Guidelines worksheet (CJD-900)

Service of complaint

A summons will be mailed to you from the court. Service of complaint on defendant is to be made in accordance with Massachusetts Rules of Domestic Relations Procedure Rule 4

Attend the Mandatory Co-Parenting Education Program

All parents where there is no agreement on custody and/or parenting time of their minor children must attend the four-hour online co-parenting course “Two Families Now” unless a Judge waives the requirement.

Notice to Parents: Mandatory Attendance at Online Co-Parenting Education Course "Two Families Now"

If you think you should not be required to attend the parent education course you can file Motion to Waive Attendance at Two Families Now Co-Parent Course and provide notice to the other side by sending them a copy.

To find more about co-parenting education go to: Parent Education | Mass.gov