To respond to a complaint to establish de facto parentage, the defendant should file an answer that addresses the allegations made in the complaint. The answer should admit or deny each allegation and may include any defenses or counterclaims the defendant wishes to assert. In Massachusetts, de facto parentage can be established when a non-legal parent has formed a significant parental relationship with the child, often involving a substantial commitment to the child’s care and upbringing. The court will consider factors such as the non-legal parent’s involvement in the child’s life and the consent of the legal parent. It is important to file the answer within the required timeframe and to follow the procedural rules set by the court.
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