Paternity refers to determining the biological and/or legal father of a child. Either the mother or the putative father can bring action to establish paternity. Additionally, the State of Michigan (through the County prosecutor’s office) can file a paternity case against the alleged father if the mother and child are receiving state aid. As attorneys with experience in family law and paternity matters in particular, we can assist you with your case. In fact, we offer a free consultation to talk about your specific case and what we can do to help

If you are a father, you may wish to establish paternity in order to gain custody of your child or seek visitation rights. As a mother, you may wish to establish paternity so you can seek child support that will help provide for your child. Or, you may wish to challenge paternity to avoid responsibility for a child that is not yours, or to keep someone from gaining custody of your child who is not the biological father. Whatever specific paternity matter you are attempting to resolve, we are confident that we can offer you the information and guidance you need to make the right choices about your case.

Resolving a paternity matter may be simple due to the fact that DNA testing can easily prove the biological father, but there can be complex legal matters to address as well. For example, if a child is born to a woman who is married, the husband is presumed to be the father, regardless of who may be the biological father.

The process of attempting to establish paternity or challenge paternity can involve complex legal arguments, and it is therefore important to have competent attorneys, such as Mellin Robinson P.C., at your side.