What is the Revocation of Parentage Act?
Men and fathers rarely get the benefit of the doubt in family law or divorce cases. It takes a strong, influential, well-respected family law attorney to turn the tables and give the man the advantage in court.
Updating the Law in Michigan Regarding Men’s Rights
The Revocation of Parentage Act of 2012 changed the outdated law regarding fathers’ rights in Michigan, protecting men from being “dads by default” in paternity and child custody cases. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN P.L.L.C. has represented fathers in felony child support cases who had no idea they were required to pay child support and, in some cases, were not even aware they were fathers.
If you are in a similar situation, you cannot afford to forgo experienced, aggressive legal representation. Failure to pay child support can lead to excessive fines and/or a prison sentence. As one of Michigan’s most experienced legal firms, LEWIS & DICKSTEIN P.L.L.C. is here to prevent you from becoming financially liable for children who are not yours under the Revocation of Parentage Act.
How did Michigan Law Change in 2012?
Before 2012, The Paternity Act of 1956 was enforced in child custody and child support cases. Before 2012, biological fathers had virtually no rights. To preserve the sanctity of marriage, the law stated that a married couple was presumed responsible for children, even if the woman was unfaithful to her husband, resulting in a child from a third man, the biological father. Even though he is not the child’s biological father, the woman’s husband was held responsible for children who were not his. The outdated law resulted in numerous Michigan men being held accountable for providing child support for children who do not belong to them simply because they are married to the mother. Additionally, biological fathers were stripped of parental rights, including contact with their children. The Revocation of Parentage Act is the controlling law in Michigan today.
How does the Revocation of Parentage Act Protect Fathers?
The law was introduced in 2012 to take into account the changing landscape of families in Michigan and nationwide. Because of the change in law, parents can revoke or claim a father’s paternity. Under the Revocation of Parentage Act, fathers can request to have child support canceled after finding out they are not the biological father. The Revocation of Paternity Act gives biological, unmarried fathers a voice, granting the right to bring an action in court to determine the child’s paternity.
Why do fathers seem to have diminished rights in family court compared to mothers?
The historical tendency of family courts to favor mothers over fathers in custody battles is deeply rooted in societal conventions and legal precedents. Traditional gender roles have long portrayed mothers as the primary caregivers and fathers as breadwinners. This dichotomy was further cemented by the Tender Years Doctrine, which presumed younger children were better off with their mothers. The now-outdated doctrine, combined with the ingrained belief in an inherent maternal instinct, often disadvantaged fathers. Economic dynamics further complicated matters; historically, more financially reliant on men, women were sometimes seen as needing the child for financial protection. While modern Michigan legal systems aim to prioritize a child’s best interests over gender biases, remnants of these old perspectives persist. As advocates for fathers, we believe that recognizing and challenging these historical biases is essential for ensuring fathers have an equitable opportunity to be active, loving figures in their children’s lives.
LEWIS & DICKSTEIN P.L.L.C. Can Help You! Fighting for Fathers Under the New Parentage Act.
We are an experienced law firm that has helped biological fathers establish fatherhood and claim rights granted under the Revocation of Paternity Act, otherwise known as the Parentage Act. We also represent fathers unsure whether they are legally responsible for children conceived during their marriage. Most importantly, if you are charged with a child support felony charge in Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, or anywhere in Southeastern Michigan, call us. We will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and address your concerns.
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you and, most importantly,
we are not afraid to win!
