Questions about paternity — legal fatherhood — can affect your rights, your responsibilities, and your relationship with a child. As a Southfield family law & divorce lawyer, I represent both mothers and fathers throughout Oakland County in paternity matters, whether you are seeking to establish or challenge fatherhood.

If you are dealing with a paternity issue, the first step is a free consultation. We can talk through your situation and what you want to accomplish, whether that involves child support, custody, or protecting your rights.

From my office in Southfield, I work with clients in Royal Oak, Birmingham, Farmington Hills, and surrounding communities.

What Is Paternity and Why Does It Matter?

Paternity is the legal determination of who a child’s father is. This matters because it affects:

• Child support obligations
• Custody and parenting time rights
• A child’s access to benefits and medical history

In Michigan, when a child is born to married parents, the husband is usually presumed to be the father. When parents are not married, paternity must be legally established before a father has enforceable rights.

Who Needs to Establish Paternity?

Paternity cases involve different situations, including:

• Mothers seeking child support
• Fathers seeking custody or parenting time
• Men who believe they may not be the child’s biological father

Until paternity is established, an unmarried mother typically has sole legal and physical custody. That can change once legal fatherhood is confirmed.

As part of my custody & family law practice, I help clients understand how paternity connects to custody, parenting time, and support.

How Is Paternity Established in Michigan?

Paternity can be established in a few different ways:

• Signing an acknowledgment of parentage
• Court proceedings to determine fatherhood
• DNA (genetic) testing

If there is a dispute, the court may order DNA testing to confirm whether a man is the biological father. I help clients navigate this process and understand what the results mean for their case.

What Happens After Paternity Is Established?

Once paternity is legally established, the court can address related issues, including:

• Child support
• Custody and parenting time
• Decision-making authority for the child

This is often where cases become more complex. What starts as a paternity matter can quickly turn into a broader family law case involving long-term arrangements for the child.

Can Paternity Be Challenged?

Yes, in some situations. If there is reason to believe that paternity has been incorrectly established, it may be possible to challenge it.

These cases can be sensitive and legally complex. Timing and evidence matter, which is why it is important to speak with an attorney as early as possible.

Protecting Your Rights and Your Child’s Future

Paternity cases are not just about legal definitions — they are about real relationships and long-term responsibilities. Establishing paternity can provide stability for a child and clarity for both parents.

As a family law Oakland County attorney, I take a practical, straightforward approach:

• Explain your options clearly
• Help you understand the process
• Advocate for your rights in court when necessary

Speak With a Southfield Paternity Attorney

Whether you are looking to establish paternity, challenge it, or understand your rights, I offer free consultations to help you take the next step.

Call (248) 763-6014 or visit 19390 West Ten Mile Road in Southfield, Michigan to get started.