At what age can I have sex with my girlfriend?

If you are 18 or over and are having sex with someone 16 or younger you can be prosecuted.

What else do I need to know?

• If I have sex with a girl will she become pregnant?  Not always, but that's the way it works.  If she has a baby you, as the father, will be asked to support the child.   This means giving love, emotional support, food, clothing and shelter.  You may also be responsible to pay birth expenses which usually cost several thousand dollars.  Sure she looks hot now but........are you ready?
• What if I don't think I'm the father? If you deny that you are the father, a paternity suit may take place.  This is a legal case to decide if you are the father of a particular child.  A paternity suit can take place any time until the child turns 18.  A court may ask you to take a blood test to see if you are the father and is 99% accurate.  If you are found to be the father you will be ordered to pay for the test which costs from $500 to $800 and child support.
• When do I need to pay child support? You must pay child support every month even if the mother receives welfare or gets married to someone else.  If you are in the military, a student, or are unemployed you still must pay child support.
• What if I don't pay child support? If you do not pay your child support, money can be taken from your paycheck or income tax refunds.  Also your house, car or other items may be taken as payments.  As a last resort you will be jailed.
• What if I leave the state? Maybe you think you can't be found?  Do you have a Social Security number which you need to get any good job?  How about a drivers license, or state ID card kept on computers available to police nationwide?  Leaving the state and your family doesn't help.
• If I don't visit my child what will happen?  If you do not pay child support or don't have contact with your child at least once a year you may lose your right to see your child.
• What if I want to be a father to my child?  Good choice.  It has been shown over and over that a child with both parents lives a better life.  Talk it over with your girlfriend and (gulp) maybe her parents.  You have legal rights of visitation, access to school records and other rights under Michigan law.  For more information contact The Friend of the Court in your county.