Parentage is about more than biology—it’s about ensuring that children are legally connected to the people who love, support, and care for them. For many families, this means establishing who a child’s biological father is. For others, including same-sex parents, it means confirming legal parentage so both parents’ rights and responsibilities are fully recognized.

These legal determinations affect custody, parenting time, child support, inheritance, and even a child’s eligibility for important benefits. Because the outcome has lasting consequences for parents and children alike, it’s important to approach paternity and parentage cases with clarity, strategy, and experienced guidance.

At Alane Family Law, we help clients establish or contest paternity and parentage in ways that protect children, clarify rights, and create a stronger foundation for the future.

When Paternity or Parentage Cases Arise

These matters can come up in a variety of situations:

  • A mother may seek a paternity order to secure support for her child.
  • A father may want to establish paternity to build or preserve a relationship with his child.
  • Same-sex parents may seek to establish parentage to ensure both parents’ rights and responsibilities are recognized.
  • A man who has been named as a father may wish to dispute paternity if he believes he is not the biological parent.
  • In some cases, a child (through a representative) may bring a case to protect rights to benefits or inheritance.

How Parentage Is Established in Michigan

Married Parents

If a woman is married, her husband is automatically presumed to be the legal father of any child born during the marriage.

Unmarried Parents

If parents are not married when a child is born, paternity or parentage must be established affirmatively. Simply putting a man’s name on a birth certificate does not make him the legal father.

Ways parentage can be established include:

Voluntary Affidavit of Parentage: Most unmarried parents, including same-sex parents, establish parentage by signing and notarizing an Affidavit of Parentage. This can be done at the hospital or later through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or a county registrar’s office. Filing the affidavit with MDHHS creates a legal parent–child relationship.

Court Order: If an alleged father refuses to sign, or if there is uncertainty or disagreement, either parent (or MDHHS in cases involving public assistance) may petition the Family Division of the Circuit Court. If paternity is disputed, the court will typically order DNA testing. After a hearing, if the alleged father admits paternity—or DNA confirms it—the court issues an Order of Paternity.

What Happens Once Parentage Is Established

A legal finding of paternity or parentage can:

  • Allow a father or parent to seek custody and parenting time
  • Require child support to be paid
  • Make the child eligible for health insurance, government benefits, or inheritance through the parent
  • Permit the child’s birth certificate to be updated to reflect the parent’s name

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Parentage cases are deeply personal and sometimes highly contested. The outcome influences custody, parenting time, and financial support, as well as a child’s long-term stability. Having an experienced attorney ensures you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and approach the process with both strategy and compassion.

How Alane Family Law Helps

At Alane Family Law, we provide both the responsive service and strong advocacy these sensitive cases require. We assist clients with:

  • Establishing or revoking Affidavits of Parentage
  • Establishing parentage for same-sex parents
  • Filing or contesting petitions to establish parentage
  • Disputing presumptions of paternity
  • Handling custody, parenting time, and child support after parentage is established

Whenever possible, we help families resolve these issues outside of court, setting the stage for respectful co-parenting. But when litigation is necessary, we are thorough, prepared, and effective advocates.

Work with Experienced Michigan Paternity and Parentage Attorneys

Establishing or contesting parentage is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child and your future. At Alane Family Law, we guide you through the process with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.