Finding an experienced Dearborn paternity lawyer to help you with your paternity case can be extremely important. A paternity attorney understands the state law about parenting time and custody arrangements and will be able to assist in the process of establishing legal paternity or challenging it.
The first step a paternity lawyer can take in paternity matters is to determine if there is a need for DNA testing to establish legal paternity. It is important to remember that for unmarried parents the father may not be recognized legally as a parent until paternity has been established.
Once a paternity lawyer has determined that there is a need for DNA testing, they will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed. They can also help you with filing a court petition for paternity, as well as representing you in any hearings or proceedings related to your case.
Clarity Family Law can provide answers to your questions regarding the protection of your rights and offer legal representation. Call our Dearborn family law firm at (313) 513-1919 to schedule a free consultation.
What is Paternity?
Paternity is the legal recognition of the biological father of a child. When paternity is established, it grants paternal rights to the father and can also determine a child’s eligibility for certain benefits, such as social security, medical expenses, public assistance, or inheritance.
Paternity can be established in several ways, including by signing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or through genetic testing. In some cases, a Michigan paternity lawyer may be needed to help establish paternity.
How is Paternity Determined?
Paternity is determined through a legal process that requires both parties involved to submit to DNA testing. Paternity can be established in one of two ways: either voluntarily or involuntarily.
If paternity is established voluntarily such as among married parents, the mother and father must sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP). This form legally declares who the father is and serves as an official acknowledgment of paternity in the eyes of the law.
If paternity is to be established involuntarily, then genetic testing will be required for validation purposes. This process involves taking samples from both the mother and potential father to compare their DNA. If the tests show a 99% or higher probability that the man is the biological father, then paternity is established. In certain cases, a court may require testing if both parents do not agree, such as when they are separated at the time of conception.
A Michigan paternity lawyer can help with every step of the paternity process, from determining if there is a need for testing to representing you in court if necessary. They are knowledgeable in the law surrounding paternity issues and can provide invaluable assistance throughout your case.
If you believe that you may be involved in a paternity case, contact an experienced family law attorney to discuss your legal options.
What is Acknowledgment of the Parentage Act?
The Acknowledgment of Parentage Act is a Michigan law that outlines the legal rights and responsibilities of both legal parents when there is no court-ordered judgment of parentage. The Act states that if both parents sign an Acknowledgment of Parentage form, it establishes the child's legal relationship with their father and creates an equal footing between the two parents regarding decision-making, visitation rights, and other parenting-related matters.
The Acknowledgment of Parentage form must be completed and properly witnessed to be valid. Both parents must also sign the form under penalty of perjury, which is an important legal requirement that must not be overlooked. If either parent denies paternity, later on, a family law attorney may need to be consulted to establish the father's rights.
Paternity Laws in Michigan
In Michigan, establishing paternity is an important legal process that carries with it many rights and responsibilities. Paternity laws determine the father of the child, which means that for a father to exert his rights or be legally responsible for his child, he must establish paternity. This can be done through marriage, filing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity form with the state, or through a court order.
Once paternity is established, the father is put on the birth certificate and gains the legal right to be involved in decision-making for the child as well as the responsibility of providing for them financially.
Paternity laws also help ensure that both parents are held responsible for their children regardless of marital status or relationship between the two. If you have any questions regarding paternity laws in Michigan, contact an attorney today.
After Paternity is Established
Once paternity has been established, the father can exercise certain rights and responsibilities regarding their child. These include the right to seek visitation or physical custody of the child, the right to receive notification of legal decisions involving the child such as adoption, and the responsibility to support financially provide for the child through child support payments.
In addition, if the father is married to or in a civil union with the child's other parent, the father can also gain parental rights over the child through this union.
If you are involved in a paternity case or need help understanding Michigan's paternity laws, contact a lawyer today. They can provide knowledgeable advice and assistance throughout your legal process.
DNA Blood Testing for Paternity Tests
DNA blood testing is the most accurate way to determine a child’s paternity in Michigan. This legal test can be used to prove or disprove if an alleged father is the biological parent of a child. It works by comparing the genetic code of a child and potential father, which helps to establish or refute paternity. Paternity tests are now considered to be 99.99% accurate when conducted properly and with quality control protocols in place.
In Michigan, paternity testing is usually done voluntarily. Both parents must agree to it. If there is a disagreement between the mother and the alleged father, a court order might be necessary. Paternity testing can determine the father in a paternity case or the mother in certain situations. DNA testing is also useful in immigration cases and establishing legal parentage for inheritance and Social Security benefits.
Contact Our Experienced Paternity Lawyer at Clarity Family Law!
At Clarity Family Law, we understand the importance of making sure that paternity is established legally and accurately. Our experienced Dearborn paternity lawyers are dedicated to providing clients with quality legal representation to ensure their rights are protected. We understand how important this can be for parents and families who are dealing with complex custody issues or financial support matters.
We realize that establishing paternity can be complicated and confusing. That’s why we are here to help you navigate the legal system and provide you with the best possible outcome for your paternity-related issues. Contact us today to learn more about how our lawyers can help you during this difficult time.