LS | Lisa Stern
Virtual Consultations Available | 248-973-7842
  • Home
  • About
    • Lisa D. Stern
  • Practice Areas
    • Divorce
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Second Family Adoption
    • Red Flag Laws
  • Blog
  • Articles
  • Contact
LS | Lisa Stern
  • Home
  • About
    • Lisa D. Stern
  • Practice Areas
    • Divorce
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Second Family Adoption
    • Red Flag Laws
  • Blog
  • Articles
  • Contact
Email

CALL

Lisa D. Stern

Over 30 YearsOf Serving Families In Michigan

  1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Fathers' Rights
  4.  » 
  5. Why Should I Establish Paternity, and How Can I Do So?

Why Should I Establish Paternity, and How Can I Do So?

On Behalf of Lisa D. Stern | Apr 19, 2022 | Fathers' Rights |

Families in Michigan come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes unmarried people have a child with one another. Sadly, these relationships do not always last. If unmarried parents break up, should a mother want to pursue child support or should the father want to pursue visitation time with the child, they will need to legally establish paternity.

How to establish paternity

Paternity in Michigan can be established in two basic ways. One way is voluntarily, through an Affidavit of Parentage. You can obtain an affidavit at the hospital following the birth of your child, at a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services office or a county registrar’s office. An Affidavit of Parentage can even be completed online. The Affidavit must be signed in the presence of a witness or notary.

Another way to establish paternity is to get a court order. Generally, the court will request a DNA paternity test be performed to establish that the man is the child’s biological father. This may be an option if the child’s parentage is in question.

Why establish paternity?

Most of the time a mother chooses to establish paternity in order to obtain child support from the father or the father chooses to establish paternity so he can seek visitation time with his child. However, there are many other reasons for establishing paternity. The child gains a sense of identity knowing their parentage. They also have rights to health insurance, Social Security, and inheritance rights among other financial benefits. In addition, the child has access to medical information, specifically, knowledge of inherited health issues. Ultimately, a paternity action benefits the child, the mother, and the father, improving their lives.

Recent Posts

  • What happens to deferred compensation during a divorce?
  • What Do I Do If My Ex Stops Paying Child Support?
  • Is There An Advantage To Filing For Divorce First In Michigan?
  • How To Get Sole Custody In Michigan
  • Do You Still Pay Child Support With 50/50 Custody?

Archives

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Divorce
  • Fathers' Rights
  • Firm News
  • modifications
  • parental relocation
  • parental rights
  • Same-sex Marriage
  • Uncategorized
  • Visitation

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

The Experience You Need. The Compassion You Deserve.

Contact Lisa For Help Today

LS | Lisa Stern

Bloomfield Hills Office

1760 South Telegraph Road
Suite 300
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302


Bloomfield Hills law office

Detroit Office

Penobscot Building
645 Griswold St.

Suite 2200
Detroit, MI 48226



Detroit law office

Phone Number

248-973-7842
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
Review The Firm

© 2025 Lisa D. Stern • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw

Review The Firm