Paternity Establishment

If you, the parents of a baby, are not married and wish to establish paternity (fatherhood), the paperwork required can be completed in the hospital and filed for you by the Birth Certificate Clerk.

A picture identity is required of the father (a driver's license or current school photo identification is acceptable). If the baby's father does not have a picture ID, he may get one from the Michigan Secretary of State office.

Paternity offers several important advantages to mom, dad and baby:

  • It provides your child with the sense of belonging that comes from both parents.
  • It allows both parents to share in the cost of raising the child.
  • It gives your child the advantage of Social Security, insurance benefits and inheritance rights from both parents.

If you have any questions, even before your baby is born, please call the Birth Certificate Clerk at (517) 788-4903. You may also call a Support Specialist at the Family Independence Agency Office of Child Support for more information at (517) 780-7141.