Paternity

Escanaba Paternity Lawyer 

Helping Clients Establish Paternity in Michigan 

When faced with paternity issues, navigating the legal landscape can be a complex and emotional journey. At Upper Michigan Law, our dedicated team of legal professionals is committed to providing unwavering support and expertise in paternity cases. We understand the significance of establishing paternity and are here to guide you through the legal processes with diligence and compassion.

Call Upper Michigan Law today at (906) 212-8797 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our paternity attorney in Escanaba!

What is Paternity?

Paternity, in legal terms, refers to the establishment of the legal father of a child. It is a crucial aspect of family law that determines the rights and responsibilities of the father regarding the child. Establishing paternity is vital for various reasons, including ensuring the child's access to financial support, inheritance rights, and, most importantly, a relationship with their father.

At Upper Michigan Law, our experienced attorneys recognize the complexities of paternity cases. Whether you are a father seeking to assert your parental rights or a mother looking to secure child support, we are here to provide strategic legal counsel tailored to your unique situation.

Establishing Paternity in Michigan

Michigan offers several methods for establishing paternity, and our attorneys at Upper Michigan Law are well-versed in guiding clients through each option. The most common ways to establish paternity in Michigan include:

  • Voluntary Acknowledgment: Both parents can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage (VAP) form, legally recognizing the father as the child's legal parent. This form is often completed at the hospital at the time of the child's birth.
  • Court Order: If there is a dispute or the parties are unwilling to sign a VAP voluntarily, the court can issue a paternity order. This typically involves DNA testing to determine biological parentage.
  • Administrative Paternity Order: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) can also establish paternity administratively. This usually occurs when seeking child support services through the state.

At Upper Michigan Law, we leverage our extensive knowledge of Michigan paternity laws to guide our clients through the process that aligns best with their unique circumstances. Our goal is to simplify the legal complexities and facilitate a resolution that serves the best interests of all parties involved.

How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity?

Understanding the timeframe for establishing paternity is crucial, as it can impact legal rights and responsibilities. In Michigan, there is no specific time limit for establishing paternity. However, taking prompt action is advisable to ensure the timely resolution of any issues and to foster a healthy parent-child relationship.

For fathers, it's essential to establish paternity as early as possible to assert parental rights, including custody and visitation. Mothers may seek to establish paternity to secure child support and access other benefits for the child.

At Upper Michigan Law, we recognize the urgency that often accompanies paternity matters. Our team is dedicated to expediting the legal process while ensuring the careful consideration of all relevant factors. We work tirelessly to provide our clients with timely and effective legal solutions tailored to their needs.

Contact Our Escanaba Paternity Attorney Today

Upper Michigan Law is a beacon of legal expertise and client-focused advocacy in paternity law. Our commitment to ensuring fathers' and mothers' rights and well-being sets us apart in family law. If you are navigating paternity issues in Escanaba or throughout Upper Michigan, trust our experienced attorneys to guide you through the complexities of the legal system. 

Contact Upper Michigan Law today to schedule a meeting with our paternity lawyer in Escanaba!

Why Choose Upper Michigan Law

  • Personalized Attention

    We know each of our clients by name, creating trusted attorney-client relationships completely based on reliability and security.

  • Responsive & Effective Communication

    We stay available for our clients, making communication easy and you our top priority.

  • Over 40 Years of Experience

    We focus on specific areas of law so that we stay ahead of our competition and provide consistently successful results.

  • Millions of Dollars Recovered

    We have a proven record of results, achieving millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for the injured.