Establishing Paternity If You Don’t Know Location Of Other Parent

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Learn more about establishing paternity in Michigan.

Establishing a legitimate father is critical for a child born to unmarried parents. Children require parental care and support from the time they are born. If parents do not establish paternity as soon as possible, the child may grow up without the benefits that come with having both parents. By establishing paternity early on, you can give a child the best possible chance in life.

Importance of Establishing Paternity

When paternity is established, the child gains the same rights and privileges as a child whose parents are married. Among these rights and privileges are:

1. Identity: It is beneficial for youngsters to be familiar with both of their parents, providing the child with a sense of identity.
2. Family ties: Every child is entitled to have a relationship with both parents. The child may become acquainted with both sides of the family and give the child a sense of belonging.
3. Financial support: Both parents are required by law to support their kids. Even if parents do not live together, they can share the responsibility of raising their children. When both parents contribute financially, children are more likely to have their needs met.
4. Benefits: A child is entitled to benefits from both parents. Benefits are crucial if a parent passes away or becomes handicapped. Health and life insurance, Social Security, pensions, inheritance, and veteran’s benefits are a few examples.
5. Medical information: Understanding the medical history of both biological parents is vital if the family has any health conditions.

How is Paternity Established?

The mother’s spouse is the child’s legal father if the couple was already married at the time of the mother’s pregnancy or when the child was born.

However, unmarried parents must take action to establish paternity. When parents are not married, they have two options for establishing paternity:

• Unmarried parents have the option to voluntarily establish paternity. This signifies they’ve agreed to name the child’s father; or
• Unmarried parents might request assistance from their local family court in establishing paternity. Typically, this entails DNA paternity testing (also known as genetic testing).

It’s crucial to understand that only when paternity has been confirmed can the father’s name appear on the birth certificate.

Paternity can be established voluntarily by the parents of a child born to an unmarried mother. This can be accomplished by completing an Affidavit of Parentage (AOP) form stating that the man is the biological father. Even if he is married to somebody else, the man may sign the paper.

If the parent establishing paternity is uncertain or does not know where the other parent is, he or she can call a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) child support specialist at 1-866-540-0008. The specialist will assist you in identifying and locating the prospective father.

The Office of Child Support can also arrange for DNA paternity testing to identify who the biological father is. The Child Support Program can also work with the other state to help establish paternity if you believe the other parent resides outside Michigan.

Contact a Michigan Family Law Attorney for Legal Advice

Paternity orders can be challenging to cope with. Whatever your circumstance is, our family law attorneys at Goldman and Associates can assist you. Contact us today for legal advice and to learn more about how we may help you in establishing paternity if you don’t know where the other parent is. Set an appointment today.