Raleigh v. Watkins

Defendant Pamela Watkins appeals from the Washtenaw County Circuit Court’s order finding paternity in and granting visitation rights to plaintiff David Raleigh.

Defendant, mother of Christopher Watkins, claims error in the trial court’s finding that plaintiff is the natural father of defendant’s infant son, thereby establishing plaintiffs standing to seek visitation privileges with respect to his son. The right of a putative father to litigate a custody claim was established by this Court in Winsett v Donaldson, 69 Mich App 36, 39; 244 NW2d 355 (1976). The Winsett Court stated, "It is entirely…