When an unmarried mother gives birth to a child, it may be necessary to establish paternity for the child. The term “paternity” refers to legal fatherhood. When a man establishes their paternity for a child, they acknowledge that they are the child’s legal father.
This formal process is known as “acknowledgment of paternity” and occurs when both of a child’s parents voluntarily sign a notarized Affidavit of Parentage (AOP). An AOP is a legal declaration of the paternity of a child. Signing an AOP to acknowledge the paternity of a child is a significant milestone that comes with many important benefits.
The Importance of an Affidavit of Paternity
When a child’s father legally establishes paternity, it can provide several advantages for both children and biological parents, including:
- Custody and visitation – When a biological father establishes his paternity, he has the same legal rights as a married parent. This means he can seek child custody and visitation rights in court. Without an AOP, a father has no guaranteed right to spend time with his child.
- Child support – Under Michigan law, parents have a financial obligation to support their children. This means establishing paternity gives custodial parents the right to seek child support from non-custodial parents.
- Eligibility for benefits – When a child has a legally-recognized father, the child is eligible for a share of the father’s benefits. Examples include life insurance, health insurance, and Social Security benefits.
- A sense of belonging – Children who know both of their parents have a better grasp of their identity and family history, fostering a sense of belonging.
How to File an Acknowledgment of Paternity in Traverse City
To file an acknowledgment of paternity in Michigan, both the child’s mother and father must sign a notarized paternity form called an Affidavit of Parentage (AOP).
In most cases, parents sign this paternity form at the hospital just after the child is born. When parents complete an AOP in the hospital, there is no charge. A father can sign an AOP any time after a child’s birth, but there is a $50 fee to add the father’s name to the child’s birth certificate if the father does not sign at the hospital.
Where Should I Send the Affidavit of Paternity?
If parents want to submit an AOP after the father acknowledges paternity, they must send the completed affidavit to the address on the form. To simply file the affidavit to establish paternity, you’ll mail the form to:
Central Paternity Registry
Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
PO Box 30691
Lansing, MI 48909
If you also want to update the child’s birth record, you must send it to:
Vital Records Changes
PO Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Speak to an Experienced Paternity Lawyer in Traverse City, MI Today
If you are considering acknowledging the paternity of a child in Michigan, it’s important to know and understand the potential consequences, such as visitation rights and child support responsibilities. At Alward Fisher, our Traverse City family law attorneys have extensive experience with paternity cases. We’re prepared to help you determine what’s right for you. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in an initial consultation.
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