Instructions: Complaint to establish parentage

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

See G.L. c.209C

Probate and Family Court Uniform Guide to Filings

You may file your paperwork 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 Parentage (CJD 106)
• Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
  • If unable to obtain a certified copy, file:
    • Motion to Order Release of Certified Copy of Birth Certificate to the Court, OR
    • Motion to File Late with supporting Affidavit or Verified Motion
• Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit. In cases involving a child, use this form to tell the court about any other open or closed cases involving the child.  You must file the Affidavit in cases involving the care, custody, visitation, or change of name of a child.  See Trial Court Rule IV for more details. 
  • Supplemental Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit. In cases involving more than 4 children, use this form along with the Child Care or Custody Affidavit for additional space to tell the court about any other open or closed cases.  See Trial Court Rule IV for more details. 
• If plaintiff has an attorney: Uniform Counsel Certification Form (CCF)
• Military Affidavit (TC0002) See Uniform Probate Court Practice XXV: Military affidavits | Mass.gov

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