Your Trusted Paternity Attorney In Grosse Pointe Farms
Many unmarried parents are surprised to learn that a father’s relationship with his child is not legally recognized at birth. Even if the father is actively involved in their child’s life, Michigan law requires him to formally establish his paternity before he can have legal rights as a parent.
My name is Dana Constand, and since 2014, I have guided many families in Grosse Pointe Farms and the Detroit metro area through complicated family law cases. As a paternity lawyer, I understand that these matters are deeply personal and often emotional. If you need help establishing paternity or securing father’s rights in Michigan, I can provide you with clear guidance and help you protect what matters most: your relationship with your child.
How To Establish Paternity In Michigan
At my practice, Family Focus Law, I guide parents through the two primary legal pathways for establishing paternity: the Acknowledgment of Parentage Act for voluntary agreements and the Michigan Paternity Act for court cases.
Unmarried parents can voluntarily sign an Acknowledgment of Parentage at the hospital or through the Michigan Department of Health And Human Services (DHHS). However, it is important to note that by law, the mother is granted initial custody until a court order specifies otherwise.
If one parent refuses to sign a voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage or if there is a dispute regarding biological fatherhood, I help clients file a family court paternity case to obtain a formal Order of Filiation. This court process is also essential for parents who need a judge to establish specific, legally enforceable orders for custody, parenting time and child support.
Understanding Father’s Rights In Michigan
Without established paternity, you cannot make decisions about your child’s medical care, education or upbringing. However, once you have established that you are the legal father, you can pursue:
- Legal and physical custody
- Enforceable parenting time (visitation)
- Child support
- Joint legal custody
As your Michigan paternity attorney, I can help secure these rights while protecting your child’s well-being.
Do You Need A DNA Test To Establish Paternity In Michigan?
A DNA paternity test is not required if both parents voluntarily sign an Acknowledgment of Parentage. However, DNA testing can provide scientific proof, which may be necessary if disputes arise about biological fatherhood.
Secure Your Child’s Future And Your Place In It
You do not have to navigate this process alone. Whether you need to establish paternity in Michigan or have questions about your parental rights, I am here to help. Contact Family Focus Law today for a free consultation. You can call my office at 313-749-9082 or fill out this online form to schedule an appointment.
