When you are facing a paternity action and have questions about your options in the Grand Rapids area, it is important to have the representation of a good paternity attorney.  Krupp Law Offices P.C. has been providing quality paternity representation for over 85 years.  If you are facing a paternity matter and have questions, call the attorneys at Krupp Law Offices P.C. for a free phone consultation.  During your phone consultation, our attorneys will provide you with immediate answers to your questions and schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.

CALL FOR A FREE PHONE CONSULTATION AT 616-459-6636.

A paternity action is started by either the mother or the father of the child. The paternity complaint alleges: (1) the mother of the child, (2) the father of the child, (3) the approximate date of conception, (4) the date of birth of the child, and (5) the statutory duty of father to pay costs of confinement. Typically, a determination of the father is done by DNA testing. It takes less than one week for results of the test. The DNA testing is typically conclusive with a 99 percent accuracy rate.

Once the court determines the father of the child, than the court must determine custody, parenting time or visitation, child support, and other issues related to the child.  These issues are resolved pursuant to the child custody statute and child support statute. At this point, a divorce and a paternity action are very similar (for more information on custody and support referred to the custody and support sections of  KRUPP LAW OFFICES PC.

A paternity action may be started by the father or the mother of a child. If the mother was on Medicaid during the birth of the child or the mother and child are receiving ADC benefits (welfare), than the state will pursue a paternity action on behalf of the mother. This is done to obtain reimbursement for the state because of benefits the state is paying on behalf the child.

In addition, the paternity act requires the county prosecutor to determine the paternity of children born out of wedlock. An attorney will typically charge between 1,000 and 1,500 dollars to handle a paternity manner.  The mother of the child may request that the prosecutor's office pursue a paternity action on her behalf. However, a private attorney will handle a matter faster and give more individualized attention.  The prosecutor's office has a large caseload which makes it very difficult for them to spend a large amount time on each case.  Considering the complexities, it is not recommended that an individual attempt to pursue a paternity action without legal assistance. 

Typical fees to retain attorney for a paternity case can range and from 1,500 dollars to as high as 5000 dollars. Considering the seriousness of this life changing event, it is extremely important to retain the services of an experienced attorney in the area of paternity.

Krupp Law Offices P.C. is located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan and has the rights paternity attorney for you. We represent clients in all paternity matters throughout West Michigan, including the cities of Grand Rapids, Holland, and Grand Haven, and the counties of Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Newaygo, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ionia.

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