Why is it important to establish paternity?

The parents and the child have the right to have a parent-child relationship. Establishing paternity gives a child born outside of marriage the same legal rights as a child born to married parents. Other reasons include:

  • Identity and Family Ties: It is important to know who we are. Children who know both parents develop a sense of "belonging." Children may also benefit from knowing their family's biological, cultural, and medical history.
  • Money: The law requires both parents to support their children, even if the pregnancy was unplanned. Children supported by just one parent often do not have enough money for their needs. Parents can share the costs needed for the child, even if they do not live together.
  • Benefits: The child has the right to its parents' benefits (social security, insurance, pension, inheritance, veterans' benefits, etc.).
  • Medical: The child may need a complete medical history from the families of both parents, including inherited health problems.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Prosecutor's role in establishing paternity in Michigan?
2. Who do I contact at the Eaton County Prosecutor's office?
3. What is paternity?
4. Why is it important to establish paternity?
5. How is legal paternity established?
6. How do I start a paternity case?
7. What happens with the absent parent?
8. How can the father voluntarily acknowledge paternity?
9. Can the Affidavit of Parentage be filed by mail?
10. Is there a fee for filing the Affidavit of Parentage?
11. What if the father refuses to acknowledge paternity?
12. Can a legal father revoke paternity?
13. What if the mother is not sure who her child's father is?
14. When is a DNA test necessary? How is a paternity DNA test done?
15. What does paternity blood testing show?
16. Who pays for the DNA tests?
17. Can the parents do private DNA testing?
18. What happens if the mother or father is not 18?
19. How long after the child is born can paternity be established?
20. When can the father's name be put on the birth certificate?
21. If the parents decide to voluntarily acknowledge paternity, what other steps must be taken?
22. What web sites have Michigan paternity-related information?