If a child is born out of wedlock, paternity must be established. This means that a determination must be made as to the legal father of a child. A determination must also be made pertaining to each parent’s rights and privileges, (i.e. a parenting plan, custody, support, and visitation).

Under Michigan law the father is entitled to obtain a DNA test to determine paternity. If paternity is challenged by the father, temporary child support may be awarded pending the results of DNA testing. If the DNA test is negative, the child support already paid may be returned to the paying party.