We’re proud to share that Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) family law attorney Megan Reynolds recently joined Melissa Neckers of the Miller Johnson law firm to film a studio seminar with the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE). The seminar focused on Part 2 of the Assisted Reproduction and Surrogacy Parentage Act (ARSPA), which went into effect in April 2025.
This session explored the legal mechanisms available to secure parentage for intended parents of children conceived through assisted reproduction not involving surrogacy. Megan and Melissa provided expert insights into the nuances of the statute, helping attorneys better understand how to advocate for clients navigating complex family-building journeys.
Key takeaways included:
- Prior to the passage of ARSPA, couples who used assisted reproduction to conceive had no pathway available to secure the legal parentage of the non-birthing intended parent other than adoption.
- ARSPA authorized parents to use a free vital record form, the Affidavit of Parentage (AOP), to establish legal parentage if the child was conceived by sperm and/or egg donation and carried by one of the intended parents.
- The AOP can be executed upon the birth of a child but it also may be filed at any time during the child's life, making it a tool for parents of older children born before ARSPA and even for parents of children whose legal parentage was not established before the age of 18 as a way to identify the parent-child relationship for the purpose of inheritance and recognition of an heir.
- The AOP makes it possible for low-income parents to secure their legal rights and protect their parent-child relationship in the State of Michigan without having to hire an attorney.
- ARSPA further created a new case type for parents to secure legal parentage through a court order. Part 2 of ARSPA defines the procedure to obtain a Judgment of Parentage through the court, which is recommended especially for same-sex couples as a means to ensure they are protected by a court order that must be given full faith and credit by other jurisdictions.
- Especially in this time of high anxiety about the future of marriage equality, ARSPA is a critical tool for same sex couples who became parents through the use of assisted reproduction.
This seminar is part of MPLP’s ongoing commitment to training attorneys on emerging legal issues that impact vulnerable populations. By equipping legal professionals with the tools to navigate these evolving areas of family law, we help ensure that all families—regardless of income or background—can access the protections they deserve.
A behind-the-scenes photo from the studio captures Megan and Melissa, sharing their expertise with the legal community. The recording will be released by ICLE in October 2025.
