Establishing Paternity in Maryland
How paternity is established in Maryland: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: Unmarried parents must be given the chance to sign an affidavit of parentage on a standardized state form (offered at the hospital under Health-General § 4-208), after being told orally and in writing about its legal consequences. Md. Code, Fam. Law § 5-1028
| Establishing paternity | Unmarried parents must be given the chance to sign an affidavit of parentage on a standardized state form (offered at the hospital under Health-General § 4-208), after being told orally and in writing about its legal consequences. A signed affidavit is a legal finding of parentage. Any signer may rescind it in writing within 60 days after signing, or in a court proceeding about the child to which the signer is a party that occurs within that 60-day period. After 60 days, it can be challenged in court only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact, and support obligations generally continue during the challenge. The statutes reviewed for this field did not include the genetic-testing provisions of a court paternity case. Source: Md. Code, Fam. Law § 5-1028 |
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Where to get help in Maryland
More Maryland divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Maryland
- Adopting a Child in Maryland
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Maryland
- Changing Your Name in Maryland
- Child Custody Laws in Maryland
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Maryland
- Divorce Records in Maryland
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Maryland
- How to File for Divorce in Maryland
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Maryland
- All Maryland divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you establish paternity in Maryland?
Unmarried parents must be given the chance to sign an affidavit of parentage on a standardized state form (offered at the hospital under Health-General § 4-208), after being told orally and in writing about its legal consequences. A signed affidavit is a legal finding of parentage. Any signer may rescind it in writing within 60 days after signing, or in a court proceeding about the child to which the signer is a party that occurs within that 60-day period. After 60 days, it can be challenged in court only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact, and support obligations generally continue during the challenge.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.