Paternity

Paternity Action

In Michigan, f your name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate, you will have to establish paternity before seeking visitation rights or custody. There are two ways to establish Paternity:

DNA testing
A signed acknowledgment from the mother

After paternity is settled, child support and custody are established in the same manner as married parents for unmarried parents.

Paternity can also be disestablished with a DNA test if you don’t believe you are the father, but if you and the mother were married at the time of the child’s birth, legally you are the father regardless of whether or not you are currently married.

As your attornies, Hertz Schram will walk you through the steps to legally obtain custody of the child, visitation and support.

Call our office (248) 609-3014 to schedule an initial consultation. We will discuss every detail of visitation, child custody, and support for parents who are unmarried with confidentiality and candor.

Testimonials

Attorney Gerald Cavellier: Throughout all of that your professionalism stood out, now I know why you get the acclaim you do from a variety of sources and I consider myself proud to be one your clients.

Ted A.

When my deceased father's former spouse sued me, I called attorney Jerry Cavellier, who handled my father's divorce. In what looked to be a long, difficult legal battle, Jerry quickly devised a strategy that wore down the opposition and settled the case. His legal maneuvering saved me tens of thousands of dollars!

Peter Leonard, National Best-Selling Author

Attorney Jerry Cavellier was and continues to be a great help and support throughout my divorce and years afterwards. Whenever I’ve needed to speak with him, he is available. Whenever I’ve needed advice or direction throughout the process, he would make time for me to explain and feel confident I understood to make good decisions. Above all, I felt he was truly concerned with what I was dealing with and was looking out for me in my best interest.

Jerry is a kind, empathic human being. He continues to be accessible whenever I reach out for help. Thank you Jerry.

Luis R.

Attorney Lisa Stern was compassionate and understanding in a time of great fear for me. She gave me confidence to move past fear and find my strength to finally end an abusive marriage. She was both tough and kind in the process. While my divorce wasn't the end of the craziness and my children and I still struggle to be healthy, my divorce freed me from the daily intimidation and worse... Likely saved my life. I am grateful for Lisa's strength when I didn't have much of my own.

Denise

I was fortunate to have found attorney Jerry Cavellier to represent me when I went through my divorce. He did an outstanding job representing me and advocating for my interests (both custodial and financial). He took the time to understand my case and the issues at hand. He was always very responsive to all of my inquiries. In addition to his legal expertise and negotiating skill, Jerry provided some needed compassion and perspective during that difficult anxious laden time. I would recommend Jerry to anyone going through a divorce and looking for a highly skilled and loyal advocate.

Shaun

Attorney Lisa Stern successfully defended my custodial rights where two other lawyers had fallen short. She understood the nuances of my case right away, maintaining objectivity in order to prioritize my issues. Lisa has been level-headed and measured while being very sympathetic, and is highly respected amongst her peers. Lisa has managed my expectations while encouraging me with her demeanor and actions.

In the end, I got more than a great lawyer; I got a good friend who is invested in what's best for me and my child.

Peter H.

Our firm was founded on the belief that our clients deserve the best possible representation in disputes, litigation and transactions.
Everyday, our attorneys strive to provide it.

Detroit Family Law Attorneys – Divorce & Family Law Firm Serving The Areas Of Bloomfield Hills, MI & Detroit, MI

Gerald Cavellier

Shareholder

"I advise my clients to take the high road by reminding all parties that if they have children together they will continue to be part of each other’s lives post-judgment."

Lisa D. Stern

Shareholder

"Provides her clients with clear advice, smart strategies, honest representation and a small dose of humor to help then get through an otherwise difficult time."

Howard Hertz

Shareholder

"I have successfully and aggressively represented creatives and their entities for more than forty years. "

Steven P. Jenkins

Partner

"Never underestimate the positive impact an attorney can have on their clients' lives."

Cristina Crescentini

Partner

"PROTECT THE THINGS THAT MATTER MOST"

Donna Virkus

Attorney

"Be real, keep things in perspective, and keep going. The best is yet to come!"