Michigan § 712.10 - Custody action by surrendering or nonsurrendering parent; filing; hearing; determination of paternity or maternity.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 712.10 — Custody action by surrendering or nonsurrendering parent; filing; hearing; determination of paternity or maternity., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 712.10. Custody action by surrendering or nonsurrendering parent; filing; hearing; determination of paternity or maternity.
(1) If a surrendering parent wants custody of a newborn who was surrendered under section 3 of this chapter, the parent shall, within 28 days after the newborn was surrendered, file a petition with the court for custody. Not later than 28 days after notice of surrender of a newborn has been published, an individual claiming to be the nonsurrendering parent of that newborn may file a petition with the court for custody. The surrendering parent or nonsurrendering parent shall file the petition for custody in 1 of the following counties:
(a) If the parent has located the newborn, the county where the newborn is located.
(b) If subdivision (a) does not apply and the parent knows the location of the emergency service provider to whom the newborn was surrendered, the county where the emergency service provider is located.
(c) If neither subdivision (a) nor (b) applies, the county where the parent is located.
(2) If the court in which the petition for custody is filed did not issue the order placing the newborn, the court in which the petition for custody is filed shall locate and contact the court that issued the order and shall transfer the proceedings to that court.
(3) Before holding a custody hearing on a petition filed under this section and not later than 7 days after a petition for custody under this section has been filed, the court shall conduct a hearing to make the determinations of paternity or maternity as described in section 11.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 712.10
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 712.10 cover?
Section 712.10 ("Custody action by surrendering or nonsurrendering parent; filing; hearing; determination of paternity or maternity.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Michigan § 712.10?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 712.10" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 712.10 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.