Fathers’ Rights in Michigan: Ensuring Equal Parental Rights

Fatherhood is a special and rewarding experience. However, it can also be challenging and complicated, especially when it comes to navigating the legal rights and responsibilities of being a father. Unfortunately, in the past, fathers have not always been given the same rights as mothers when it comes to parenting and custody arrangements. In Michigan, fathers have the legal right to be involved in their children’s lives, and Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC is here to help you ensure equal parental rights.

Michigan Fathers’ Rights

Under the Michigan Child Custody Act, both parents have equal rights to parenting time and decision-making authority for their children. However, in the past, fathers were often granted less time with their children or relegated to simply paying child support. Today, the law encourages both parents to be involved in their children’s lives and recognizes the importance of the father-child relationship.

Establishing Paternity

Paternity is an essential issue for fathers seeking parental rights in Michigan. If a father is not married to the mother of a child, he must establish paternity to assert his parental rights. Once paternity is established, the father can seek custody, parenting time, and support. Fathers can establish paternity by signing an Affidavit of Paternity, a court order, or through DNA testing. If you are a father looking to assert your parental rights, it’s essential to seek legal representation from a family law attorney who can guide you through the process of establishing paternity.

Child Custody

Michigan law recognizes the value of a child’s relationship with both parents, and as such, fathers can seek joint legal custody of their children. This means that fathers have the same legal rights as mothers to make decisions concerning their children’s upbringing. Legal custody gives fathers a say in issues such as education, healthcare, and religion. Joint legal custody is not automatic and must be ordered by a judge. If you are a father looking to assert your legal rights to custody, it’s vital to have an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate Michigan’s legal system.

Securing Parenting Time

Parenting time is a term used in Michigan law that refers to the amount of time that a child spends with each parent. Michigan law recognizes the importance of a child’s relationship with both parents and provides for shared parenting time. This means that fathers have the right to spend significant time with their children and to make decisions concerning the type of parenting time that best suits the needs of their children. If you are a father seeking shared parenting time, it’s essential to have a parenting plan that outlines the specific details of your parenting time.

Child Support

Child support is the financial support that parents are required to pay for the benefit of their children. In Michigan, child support is determined using a formula that takes into account both parents’ income and the needs of the children. When fathers are seeking parenting time or custody, child support is sometimes a contentious issue. It’s crucial for fathers to understand their legal rights and responsibilities concerning child support and to have an experienced family law attorney who can help them navigate these complex issues.

Protecting Fathers’ Rights in Court

Sometimes fathers are unfairly denied their legal rights by their child’s mother or the court system. In these cases, Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC can advocate for fathers in court to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. We can provide representation in custody and paternity cases, as well as help fathers navigate issues related to child support and other legal matters.

Fathers’ Rights and Fathers’ Responsibilities

It’s important to remember that fathers’ rights come with corresponding responsibilities. It is essential for fathers to be involved in their children’s lives and provide emotional and financial support. Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC can assist fathers in meeting their legal obligations while also advocating for their rights.

At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we believe that every father deserves the opportunity to be actively involved in their children’s lives. If you are a father navigating the complexities of Michigan family law, we are here to help. Our experienced family law attorneys can provide guidance, support, and representation to ensure that fathers’ rights are protected and upheld. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in securing equal parental rights.