Signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes alleged or intended parents of children born through assisted reproduction or surrogacy to sign a legally binding acknowledgment of parentage in the state of Michigan.

Highlights:

• Establishes that if a child is born out of wedlock a man is considered to be the natural father of that child (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes the aforementioned father to join with the mother of the child and acknowledge that as his child by completing a form that is an acknowledgment of parentage (Sec. 1). 

• Requires a parentage form that is valid and effective and establishes the parentage of a child if signed and the signatures are each notarized by a notary public authorized by the state (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the witness to sign and date the acknowledgment of parentage form and provide his or her printed name, place of employment, and address (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes that following the completion of an acknowledgment of parentage that complies with the filed state register the mother has initial custody of the minor child without determination of either parent's custodial right (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes either parents of the child to (Sec. 7): 

• Assert a claim in court for parenting time or custody; 

• Have the right to notice and a hearing regarding the adoption of the child;

• The responsibility to support the child and to comply with a court or administrative order for the child’s support; 

• Requires individuals to file a claim as provided under the Revocation of Parentage Act if the court action determines the man is not the biological father of the child after a trial (Sec. 7). 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes alleged or intended parents of children born through assisted reproduction or surrogacy to sign a legally binding acknowledgment of parentage in the state of Michigan.

Highlights:

• Establishes that if a child is born out of wedlock a man is considered to be the natural father of that child (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes the aforementioned father to join with the mother of the child and acknowledge that as his child by completing a form that is an acknowledgment of parentage (Sec. 1). 

• Requires a parentage form that is valid and effective and establishes the parentage of a child if signed and the signatures are each notarized by a notary public authorized by the state (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the witness to sign and date the acknowledgment of parentage form and provide his or her printed name, place of employment, and address (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes that following the completion of an acknowledgment of parentage that complies with the filed state register the mother has initial custody of the minor child without determination of either parent's custodial right (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes either parents of the child to (Sec. 7): 

• Assert a claim in court for parenting time or custody; 

• Have the right to notice and a hearing regarding the adoption of the child;

• The responsibility to support the child and to comply with a court or administrative order for the child’s support; 

• Requires individuals to file a claim as provided under the Revocation of Parentage Act if the court action determines the man is not the biological father of the child after a trial (Sec. 7). 

Full Bill Text