The Paternity Act gives a court the right to order the parties to a paternity action to submit to testing. If evidence indicates the male party of the Paternity Action is excluded as the father of the child, the paternity action is dismissed.
The father, mother, the Family Independence Agency or a child who becomes 18 years old after August 15, 1984 and before June 2, 1986 can bring a Paternity Action. If the Family Independence Agency brings the lawsuit, the prosecutor’s office is usually the person who brings the lawsuit on their behalf. If a party prefers, they may hire a private attorney to bring the Paternity Action.
If the biological father is established, an Order of Filiation is entered requiring the payment of child support. Visitation rights can also be established. If the father is located in the same geographic location as the child, he will be granted more visitation than if he is located a great distance away.
Once the Order of Filiation is signed, a $35.00 fee is paid to the State of Michigan and the father’s name is added to the birth certificate of the child.