A Paternity Lawyer Providing Legal Guidance For Clients In West Michigan
Establishing paternity and the identity of a child’s biological parents when that child was born outside of a marriage is important for a number of reasons. An experienced Grand Rapids paternity lawyer can protect your rights and interests throughout a Michigan paternity action.
Stacy Van Dyken founded her Grand Rapids family law firm to provide legal support for clients in Michigan. With more than 20 years of experience, she can either provide guidance and advice if you are seeking to establish child support in a paternity action or represent your interests if you have had a paternity action filed against you.
Establishing Paternity In Michigan
In Michigan, establishing paternity is the process of legally identifying the father of a child. You can establish paternity in a few ways, such as the following:
- Signing an affidavit of parentage: One common method of establishing paternity is to sign an affidavit of parentage. In this scenario, both parents agree to establish paternity. Both parents must sign this form, usually at the hospital when the child is born.
- Court order: If the parents don’t sign the affidavit, then paternity can also be established through a court order. This often involves genetic testing to confirm the father’s identity.
- Marriage: In some cases, paternity can be established if the parents get married after the child’s birth and update the birth record.
Consulting with an experienced family law and paternity attorney can provide you with guidance throughout this process. A lawyer can ensure that your parental rights and the child’s best interests are protected.
Why Is It Important To Establish Paternity In Michigan?
Establishing paternity is crucial for several reasons. Establishing paternity is important when determining the following:
- Child support: Establishing paternity secures a child’s right to financial support from both parents. This includes child support payments and potential benefits, such as Social Security, health insurance and inheritance rights. When paternity is established, financial child support is typically determined using the Michigan Child Support Guidelines.
- Biological history: Establishing paternity allows a child to know their biological father, which can be important for medical history and emotional well-being.
- Custody and visitation rights: Establishing paternity grants the father legal rights to seek custody or visitation rights. Without established paternity, the father may have no legal standing in these matters.
Working with a paternity lawyer can help you navigate this process smoothly and ensure that all legal requirements are met, protecting your family’s future.
Why Should You Work With A Paternity Lawyer?
Working with a paternity attorney provides numerous benefits. A lawyer can provide you with legal guidance throughout the complex process of establishing paternity, ensuring that all paperwork is correctly filed and deadlines are met. An attorney can also represent you in court if disputes arise, advocating for your rights and those of your child. Additionally, an experienced lawyer can help you understand your responsibilities and rights. Whether you are the mother or the father, a paternity attorney can give you support and guidance through what can be a challenging and uncertain time.
Legal Advocacy For Parental Rights And The Best Interests Of Your Child
In today’s age of scientific advancements and the advent of DNA testing, establishing paternity has become a relatively mistake-free process. However, paternity lawyer Van Dyken can ensure that the process is executed fairly and within the guidelines of Michigan paternity laws. She can also advocate for your parental rights and the best interests of your child. She will work with you to customize a legal strategy designed to meet your legal goals.
Schedule A Consultation With A Grand Rapids Paternity Lawyer
To find out more information or schedule an initial consultation at Stacy L. Van Dyken, P.C., you can send a message using the firm’s online form. You can also make an appointment by calling 616-776-3902.