Lawyer For Unmarried Parents In Establishing Paternity And Related Custody Matters
Last updated on March 17, 2025
There are a variety of issues people can encounter in the realm of paternity. When two people are not married and expecting a baby, paternity needs to be established in order to determine other matters like legal and physical custody, parenting time and child support. However, this is often a complicated process that requires a careful legal hand. Our attorney, Sherri Bono, can assist with these matters. Her skill and experience in family law can help simplify paternity issues.
Our firm, Bono Legal Group, PLLC, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is here to help parents streamline the paternity processes so they can focus more on their children and provide for them.
How Is Paternity Determined In Michigan?
In Michigan, the spouse of the woman who gives birth is automatically given paternity of the child in question. But if the couple is not married, this process becomes more complicated. In Michigan, there are a few different ways people can establish paternity. The next most straightforward is if the father in question signs an Affidavit of Parentage form. In these instances, both parents voluntarily sign and file these forms affirming that they are the parents of the child in question.
This process can become more complicated if there are questions or challenges to the child’s paternity. The simplest way to prove paternity, if there is a conflict, is by undergoing paternity testing, also known as a DNA test. Men may perform this test voluntarily, but it is not always this easy. If a man refuses, the court may compel him to submit to the test, meaning a paternity case needs to be filed by a plaintiff.
If this situation arises, it’s important to have a legal advocate on your side like a family lawyer. A paternity case is essential as it can help down the road in decisions involving custody, visitation and child support. Ms. Bono can assist in this process, by ensuring all documents are filed properly, tests are carried out in a timely manner and the outcome of the test is handled in a fair manner.
Learn More About This Process
If you’re facing a paternity issue, it’s important to speak with an attorney who can represent you. Ms. Bono can evaluate your situation and help you understand your options and how to move forward. Schedule an initial consultation to get more information. You can call 248-266-4627 or use the online contact form to set up an appointment with us. From our office in Bloomfield Hills, we help clients in Birmingham and throughout the entire metro Detroit area.