Michigan Compiled Laws

Mich. Comp. Laws § 722.721 (2026)

Mother's support and education of child born out of wedlock; bond; default; liability of father.

✓ current as of July 2026

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THE PATERNITY ACT

Act 205 of 1956

722.721 Mother's support and education of child born out of wedlock; bond; default; liability of father.

Sec. 11.

(1) If a mother of a child born out of wedlock possesses property and fails to support and educate her child, the court having jurisdiction, on application of the child's guardian or next friend, or the family independence agency if the child is being supported in whole or in part by public assistance, may investigate the matter and, after a hearing and subject to section 7, may make an order charging the mother with the payment of money weekly or otherwise for the child's support and education.

(2) The court may require the mother to give security, by bond, with sufficient sureties approved by the court for the payment as directed by the order. In case of default under the bond, the bond shall be enforced in the manner provided in section 9.

(3) This section does not relieve the father from liability for the child's support and education in accordance with this act.

History: 1956, Act 205, Eff. Aug. 11, 1956 ;-- Am. 1972, Act 98, Eff. Mar. 30, 1973 ;-- Am. 1990, Act 244, Imd. Eff. Oct. 10, 1990 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 109, Eff. Sept. 30, 2001

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 3 cases, 1961–2007 · leading case: Dubay v. Wells, 506 F.3d 422 (6th Cir. 2007).

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Dubay v. Wells, 506 F.3d 422 (6th Cir. 2007). “Mich. Comp. Laws § 722.721 (1). By requiring the identification of a mother and a father for the child and by demanding that both these parents provide support to the child, the Michigan statutes do not discriminate against either sex in imposing parenting obligations and, thus,…”

Whybra v. Gustafson, 112 N.W.2d 503 (Mich. 1961). “” CLS 1956, § 722.721 (Stat Ann 1957 Rev § 25.501). Patently, these provisions seek to express society’s-concern with the support and education of the “child born out of wedlock.”

Dubay v. Wells (6th Cir. 2007). “Mich. Comp. Laws §722.721 (1). By 3 Despite Dubay’s protestations to the contrary, our holding in Hedges is consistent with the right to abortion articulated by the Supreme Court in Roe v.”

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