Paternity Law

Michigan Paternity Lawyer

Issues of paternity in Michigan can be extremely sensitive in nature and can have a tremendous impact on the futures of both the parents and the children involved. At the Michigan Divorce Firm, our experienced and dedicated representation can help you navigate the waters of paternity law.

Michigan recognizes that the state has a compelling interest in establishing paternity for all children. For unmarried persons, obtaining a judicial order establishing paternity is a critical step to obtaining a child support order, establishing custody and parenting time, and ensuring that children have access to all legal rights and benefits under the law, including social security, health insurance, and inheritance rights. We represent clients who seek to prove or disprove paternity, and offer zealous counsel in both types of paternity actions.

A father in Michigan may voluntarily declare that he is the parent of a child by signing an acknowledgment of parentage with the mother. This voluntary declaration is recognized by the state of Michigan as having the same force and effect as a judgment for paternity issued by a court, and is the basis for establishing orders for child custody, parenting time, and child support.

A mother or alleged father may seek to establish that the purported father is indeed the biological father of a child. This entails petitioning the court to establish paternity and involves genetic testing to provide an evidentiary basis for resolving paternity disputes. To speak with a dedicated and experienced family law attorney about your paternity issue in Michigan, please call us at (888) 927-1499.