Paternity
Paternity attorney in Michigan
Establishing paternity protects a child and the rights of both parents. We connect you with an experienced Michigan attorney who can help you confirm parentage and secure custody, parenting time, and support.
Paternity in Michigan, explained simply
Paternity is the legal recognition of a child's father. When parents are not married when a child is born, the father does not automatically have legal rights. Establishing paternity gives the child access to support, benefits, and a relationship with both parents, and it gives the father standing to seek custody and parenting time.
Paternity can be established by signing an acknowledgment of parentage, or through a court case that may include genetic testing. Once paternity is set, the door opens to custody, parenting time, and child support orders.
We are a referral service, not a law firm. We connect you with a Michigan attorney who handles paternity cases and who will protect your rights and your child's interests.
What a paternity case can involve
- Establishing paternity. Through an acknowledgment of parentage or a court case with genetic testing.
- Father's rights. Securing legal standing to seek custody and parenting time.
- Mother's interests. Establishing child support and confirming the father's responsibilities.
- Disputed cases. Resolving disagreements about parentage, including challenges to an existing acknowledgment.
How matching works
The county Friend of the Court and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are involved in establishing parentage and support. The attorney we match you with will guide you through testing, filings, and your rights.
Paternity questions, answered
What does establishing paternity do?
It legally recognizes a child's father. This gives the child access to support and benefits and gives the father standing to seek custody and parenting time.
How is paternity established in Michigan?
It can be established by both parents signing an Acknowledgment of Parentage, or through a court case that may include genetic testing when parentage is disputed.
What is an Acknowledgment of Parentage?
It is a form both parents can sign, often at the hospital, that legally establishes the father. Once signed, it carries the weight of a court order, so it should not be signed if there is doubt.
Can a father get custody after establishing paternity?
Yes. Once paternity is established, the father has standing to ask the court for custody and parenting time, decided by the best interests of the child.
Does establishing paternity mean paying child support?
It can. Once paternity is set, the court can enter a child support order. Support and parenting time are decided together so the arrangement is fair.
What if there is doubt about who the father is?
A court can order genetic testing to confirm parentage. An attorney can help you request testing and protect your interests during the case.
Can an Acknowledgment of Parentage be challenged?
There are limited grounds and time limits to revoke an acknowledgment, such as fraud or mistake. An attorney can explain whether a challenge is possible in your situation.
Do I need a lawyer for a paternity case?
You are not required to have one, but paternity affects custody, support, and your rights as a parent. The consultation is free, with no obligation.
Free consultation
No obligation. We will connect you with a Michigan paternity attorney.
Protect your rights as a parent
Free, confidential, and no obligation. We will connect you with a trusted Michigan paternity attorney.