paternity lawyer Maryland, MD
Establishing paternity is a foundational step for many family law matters in Maryland — from securing custody and parenting time to obtaining child support and accessing medical history. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents parents in paternity proceedings throughout the state. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, leads the firm’s family law practice and works with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys to guide clients through the paternity process. Our Maryland location in Rockville serves individuals from Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Anne Arundel, Frederick, and all other Maryland counties. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation and discuss your paternity matter. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Paternity Law Means in Maryland
Paternity is the legal determination of a child’s biological father. Under Maryland law, establishing paternity gives a father legal rights and creates obligations for both parents. A child born to unmarried parents has no legal father until paternity is established. Maryland’s Family Law Article provides several avenues to achieve this. The simplest method is an affidavit of parentage, signed voluntarily by both parents, often at the hospital after the child’s birth. When the parties do not agree, a court proceeding in the appropriate Maryland circuit court may be necessary. The court can order genetic testing and, based on the results, enter an order establishing paternity.
The consequences of a paternity determination are significant. For a father, it opens the door to seek custody and visitation, and it can require participation in parenting decisions. For a mother, it provides a basis for child support and the sharing of the child’s medical and educational expenses. In Maryland, child support is calculated using statutory guidelines that consider the incomes of both parents, the number of children, and certain expenses. A paternity order also can allow a child to inherit from the father and to access family medical history. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in circuit courts across Maryland, including the Circuit Court for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville, the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro, and the Circuit Court for Howard County in Ellicott City.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Paternity Cases
When a parent contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., the first step is an initial consultation to understand the goals. Whether you are a mother seeking to establish paternity to obtain child support, or a father wanting to secure parenting time, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys will explain the legal options. In many situations, the process starts with a voluntary affidavit. If that is not possible, the firm files a complaint in circuit court. The court typically orders genetic testing. Once the results are returned, either the parties agree to an order or the matter proceeds to a hearing.
The firm guides clients through discovery, negotiation, and, if necessary, trial. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys understand that paternity disputes can become emotionally charged. They work to preserve the parent-child relationship and to reach a resolution that serves the child’s best interests. The firm handles all related issues, including custody, parenting plans, child support establishment, and contempt proceedings if an order is violated. While every case is different, clients can expect clear communication about what to anticipate from the court process.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris concentrates his practice on family law and other civil and criminal matters. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience and appear regularly in Maryland circuit courts. The firm’s Maryland location in Rockville serves all counties, and calls are answered at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is paternity established in Maryland?
Maryland allows paternity to be established by voluntary affidavit of parentage, administrative process, or court order. The affidavit, typically signed at the hospital, is the simplest method and is effective immediately. If the alleged father does not voluntarily acknowledge paternity, a parent or the Maryland Child Support Administration may file a complaint in circuit court. The court can order genetic testing. If the test results show a probability of 99 percent or higher, the court issues an order declaring the man the legal father. The order also addresses custody, visitation, and child support.
Do I need a lawyer to establish paternity in Maryland?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney, but having one helps protect your rights. Paternity cases often involve custody, visitation, and child support — all of which have long-term consequences. An attorney can ensure the genetic testing is done properly, negotiate a fair parenting plan, and present the case in court. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in paternity matters throughout Maryland and can advise you on the trusted path forward. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
What rights does a father gain after paternity is established?
Once paternity is established, a father has the right to seek custody and visitation, and also the responsibility to provide financial support. The father can petition the court for a parenting plan that includes regular time with the child. He also may participate in major decisions affecting the child, such as education and healthcare. The father’s name can be added to the birth certificate, and the child gains inheritance rights. The court’s custody and support order will be based on the child’s best interests and the Maryland child support guidelines.
Can paternity be contested in Maryland?
Yes, a man named as a father has the right to contest paternity. If a complaint is filed, the court will order genetic testing. The test results are usually conclusive. If the test excludes the man, the case is dismissed. If the test confirms paternity and the man still wishes to challenge it, he must present other evidence, though this is difficult given the scientific certainty of DNA testing. Even if the man is not the biological father, he may be deemed a legal parent if he has held the child out as his own and it is in the child’s best interests. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can evaluate the situation.
What happens if the alleged father refuses a DNA test?
If an alleged father refuses court-ordered genetic testing, the court may treat the refusal as evidence against him and can enter a default order of paternity. Maryland courts have the authority to compel testing. If a party refuses, the judge can still make findings based on other evidence and the refusal itself. In most cases, the court will simply declare the man the father. This can lead to a child support obligation and may affect the man’s ability to later seek custody. It is always better to comply with a court order.
To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related practice areas: Montgomery County Family Law · Prince George’s County Family Law · Howard County Family Law · Anne Arundel County Family Law
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