MICHIGAN PATERNITY ATTORNEY
“Children deserve the love, care, and support of both parents.”
Michigan Paternity Attorney
Establishing paternity for a child born of unmarried parents is important for the wellbeing of the child in many ways. However, merely establishing paternity for legal purposes does not always guarantee that a father will be given fair visitation and custody of their child. Therefore, it is important that before you proceed with a paternity action, you contact a Michigan Paternity Attorney.
At Macie Law, we pride ourselves on being a compassionate yet aggressive Michigan Paternity Support lawyer. Contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss your matter in detail.
THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS THAT PATERNITY CAN BE ESTABLISHED IN MICHIGAN
Affidavit of Parentage
An Affidavit of Parentage can be completed when both parents agree to the paternity of the child. This is the easiest way to establish paternity as it is voluntary by both parents. When this form is completed at the hospital at the time of birth, the father’s name is added to the birth certificate. However, if the form is completed at any time after you leave the hospital, there is additional paperwork that must be completed to amend the Birth Certificate.
It is important to note that an Affidavit of Parentage does not establish any custody or visitation rights to the child. Inherently, primary custody is presumed to be with the mother unless or until a court order for custody and visitation rights has been obtained.
Paternity Lawsuit
A lawsuit can be filed by the mother or father to legally establish paternity. In addition, a paternity lawsuit can establish an order of custody, visitation, and/or child support.
A presumed father can voluntarily establish paternity by signing an Affidavit of Parentage. However, if confirmation is needed of paternity, an order for DNA testing will be issued.
The parties will be referred to the Friend of the Court for a recommendation of the issues of custody, visitation, support, and medical expenses. Generally, the recommendation is adopted into an order if an objection is not filed by either party. Therefore, it is important that the parties are represented by a Michigan paternity attorney who will advocate for fair custody and visitation rights.
Paternity Action by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
When a mother requests public assistance for the child, the MDHHS may request the court’s assistance to establish paternity. Typically, any support payments received go directly to the state for reimbursement of the assistance. Any difference in the payment is then paid to the mother. If a mother refuses to cooperate with the paternity case, the family’s assistance may be lowered or terminated.
Benefits to Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity is beneficial for both the father and the child!
- Identity and Family Ties. It is important for a child to be a part of both sides of their family. Establishing paternity can help foster a relationship with the father and child. Additionally, it can allow the child to develop relationships with the father’s extended family such as grandparents.
- Visitation and Custody. Without a court order, the mother holds all power and control over if and when a father can visit with their child. Establishing paternity and obtaining an order for custody and visitation ensures that the father will have consistent and reasonable rights and visitation with their child.
- Legal Rights to Information and Important Decisions. Without a court order, a father is not privy to important information about the child such as medical treatment and school records. Further, the father has no rights to participate in important decisions about their child such as medical treatment and religious upbringing.
- Financial support. Aside from typical financial support from the father, there are other financial benefits to consider. Some of these include veteran’s benefits, Social Security, health and life insurance, and inheritance rights. Some of these benefits are very important if the parent should pass away or become disabled.
MACIE LAW, PLLC IS A MICHIGAN PATERNITY ATTORNEY YOU CAN COUNT ON!
Although facing a paternity matter can be an intimidating situation to handle, you should not wait to consult a Michigan Paternity Attorney. Contact our office for a free initial consultation!
