MI HB4911

Amends MCL 710.36 to allow courts to accept affidavits or verified written declarations from mothers regarding the identity and whereabouts of a child's biological father, rather than requiring live testimony in all cases.

Permits courts to receive live testimony from the mother only if the affidavit or verified written declaration is determined to be insufficient, streamlining the paternity identification process.

Modifies MCL 710.56 to reduce the waiting period for adoption orders from 6 months to 3 months after formal placement when the adoptee is less than 1 year old at the time of filing.

Allows courts to waive the 3-month waiting period (or any portion of it) for infants if the waiver is determined to be in the adoptee's best interests.

Takes effect February 20, 2017 (90 days after enactment on November 22, 2016).