PATERNITY LAW IN MICHIGAN

A paternity action is a lawsuit involving a child born out of wedlock. A paternity action determines who the mother is and who the father of a child is. In addition, a paternity judgment states which party has custody, which party has parenting time, child support, and how uninsured medical expenses will be divided between parties. A paternity action is started by either the mother or the father of the child. The paternity complaint alleges: (1) the mother of the child, (2) the father of the child, (3) the approximate date of conception, (4) the date of birth of the child, and (5) the statutory duty of father to pay costs of confinement. The Michigan paternity statute requires father to pay the medical bills associated with the birth of the child (confinement costs). The first issue in a paternity case is a determination of the father. Occasionally, a paternity complaint will name more than one defendant (possible fathers). Typically, a determination of the father is done by DNA testing. It takes approximately six weeks for results of the test. The DNA testing is typically conclusive with a 99 percent accuracy rate. Once the court determines the father of the child, than the court must determine custody, parenting time or visitation, child support, and other issues related to the child. These issues are resolved pursuant to the child custody statute and child support statute. At this point, a divorce and a paternity action are very similar (for more information on custody and support referred to the custody and support sections of this Web Site). A paternity action may be started by the father or the mother of a child. If the mother was on Medicaid during the birth of the child or the mother and child are receiving ADC benefits (welfare), than the state will pursue a paternity action on behalf of the mother. This is done to obtain reimbursement for the state because of benefits the state is paying on behalf the child. In addition, the paternity act requires the county prosecutor to determine the paternity of children born out of wedlock. An attorney will typically charge between 1000 and 1500 dollars to handle a paternity manner. The mother of the child may request that the prosecutor's office pursue a paternity action on her behalf. However, a private attorney will handle a matter faster and give more individualized attention. The prosecutor's office has a large caseload which makes it very difficult for them to spend a large amount time on each case. Considering the complexities, it is not recommended that an individual attempt to pursue a paternity action without legal assistance.

PATERNITY LAWYERS - GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN

If you are facing a paternity case, a good paternity attorney is not optional, it is a requirement! Our paternity attorneys can answer your questions with straight talk. Having the right paternity attorney on your side can relieve your stress during this difficult situation. Our Attorneys have over 85 years of paternity experience.Our attorneys have extensive paternity trial experience including child support, child custody, and other serious paternity related issues. Typical fees to retain attorney for a paternity case can range and from 1,500 dollars to as high as 5000 dollars. Considering the seriousness of this life changing event, it is extremely important to retain the services of an experienced attorney in the area of paternity.

Krupp Law Offices P.C.is located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan and has the rights paternity attorney for you. We represent clients in all paternity matters throughout West Michigan, including the cities of Grand Rapids, Holland, and Grand Haven, and the counties of Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Newaygo, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ionia.

Our office can help.

KRUPP LAW OFFICES P.C.

161 Ottawa NW Suite 201

Grand Rapids MI 49503

616-459-6636or krupplaw@sbcglobal.net

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