Helping Michigan Parents Through Paternity Laws And Processes

Last updated on March 24, 2025

In Michigan, paternity determines the legal relationship between a father and his child. It can impact rights, responsibilities and emotional bonds.

Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C., has tackled countless paternity cases and is here to guide you through the process with compassion and understanding. Whether you are a mother seeking child support or a father hoping to secure custody or visitation rights in Grand Rapids, attorney Anne E. Lewis will hold your hand through the entire process.

What Paternity Establishes

Paternity establishes the legal father of a child, which is essential for several reasons:

• It grants the father legal rights to seek custody or visitation.
• It helps ensure that the father shares financial responsibility for the child through child support.
• It provides children access to health insurance, inheritance rights and the emotional security of knowing both parents.

As an experienced family law lawyer, Ms. Lewis can help you address any uncertainties your family is facing concerning parental rights and responsibilities.

Methods Of Establishing Paternity In Michigan

If both parents agree on the identity of the father, they can sign an Affidavit of Parentage at the hospital after the child’s birth. Once signed, it is filed with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

If there is a dispute about the father’s identity, either parent can file a petition with the court to establish paternity. The court may order genetic testing, which compares the DNA of the child, mother and alleged father.

Addressing Common Paternity-Related Concerns

Some fathers worry about the financial implications of child support, while others fear being denied access to their children. Mothers may be concerned about securing financial support or navigating co-parenting relationships.

As a dedicated family lawyer, Ms. Lewis can address these concerns with sensitivity and clarity, helping ensure that all parties’ rights are protected and the process is handled efficiently. She has experience drafting Affidavits of Parentage, navigating court-ordered paternity testing and resolving disputes over custody and support.

Let Attorney Lewis Help You Navigate Paternity Matters

Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C., understands that establishing paternity is about securing the future of your child and protecting your rights as a parent. Contact the firm today through 616-818-1812 or online to take the first step toward resolving your paternity concerns in Grand Rapids, Michigan.