It is no secret that dads often get a bad rap in the mainstream media. Many Michigan fathers, even if they were never married to their children’s mother, want more than anything to step up and fulfill their moral and financial obligations regarding their children. Sometimes, a paternity issue gets in the way of doing so.
If a woman sues a man for child support and fatherhood has not been formally established, the court will likely order a paternity test. This is often accomplished through genetic testing that determines whether the man in question is the biological parent of a specific child or children. Once paternity is legally established, the man may be held financially responsible for a portion of the child’s or children’s support.
If a man is married to the mother at the time of a child’s birth, a legal presumption exists that he is the biological father. If there is any question as to whether that legal presumption is correct, that issue should be formally addressed in court prior to resolving any open issues about child support. On occasion, of course, a man sued for child support claims that he is not the biological father of the child in question, and the court typically orders further investigation to determine the facts and resolve the issues at hand.
Resolving paternity issues can be challenging and stressful. The good news is that no one has to go through such experiences alone. By requesting representation from an experienced Michigan family law attorney, a man can protect his rights and interests, whether trying to establish paternity or prove that he is, in fact, not the biological parent of a particular child or children.
