paternity lawyer Maryland, MD

Establishing paternity determines a child’s legal father and the rights and obligations that follow. Whether you are a mother seeking to secure child support or a father who wants a relationship with his child and a voice in custody and visitation, a clear legal father-child relationship protects everyone involved. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in paternity matters across Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, and all other Maryland jurisdictions. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to paternity cases, working to protect the rights of children and parents alike. To discuss your situation and how the firm can assist, reach our Rockville location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Paternity Means in Maryland

In Maryland, paternity is the legal determination of a child’s father. A man may be the biological father but not the legal father until paternity is established. Once paternity is legally recognized, the father gains rights to seek custody and visitation, and both parents become responsible for child support. The child also becomes eligible for inheritance, Social Security benefits, and access to family medical history. Maryland law provides several ways to establish paternity: through a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage signed by both parents, by an administrative order from the Child Support Administration, or by a court order in a paternity action. Our firm appears in Maryland courts that handle paternity cases, including the Circuit Court for Montgomery County (Family Division) in Rockville, the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro, and the Circuit Court for Howard County in Ellicott City, among others.

Paternity disputes can arise in many contexts. An unmarried mother may need to establish paternity to obtain a child support order. A father may need to establish paternity to seek custody or parenting time. Sometimes a man who believes he is the father must petition the court to be recognized as the legal parent. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle paternity matters at all stages, from the initial filing of a Complaint to establish paternity to post-judgment modifications of custody or support. Because paternity issues often intersect with divorce, custody, and equitable distribution, our attorneys approach each case with a thorough understanding of the full family law picture.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Paternity Cases

Every paternity case begins by evaluating the specific facts and goals of the client. For a mother, the priority may be securing financial support for the child; for a father, it may be establishing legal rights to custody and visitation. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys help clients understand the options available under Maryland law, including voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, genetic testing procedures, and court proceedings. When both parties agree on paternity, a voluntary acknowledgment can be filed with the Division of Vital Records. When there is disagreement, a court may order genetic testing, and the results can be used as evidence in a paternity action. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in Maryland District Courts and Circuit Courts to present the case and protect the client’s interests.

After paternity is established, the court addresses custody, visitation, and child support. Maryland courts apply the trusted-interests-of-the-child standard when making custody determinations, and child support is calculated using the Maryland Child Support Guidelines. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys advocate for arrangements that serve the child’s welfare while protecting the parent’s rights. If circumstances change after an initial order, the firm also handles modifications of custody, visitation, and support. Throughout the process, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to achieve favorable outcomes for their clients.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris has concentrated his practice in family law and criminal defense across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He is admitted to practice in all five jurisdictions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His experience as a former prosecutor gives him insight into courtroom dynamics that benefits the firm’s family law clients.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle Maryland paternity cases alongside Mr. Sris. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include litigators with extensive experience in Maryland family law, including a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to every matter. Results may vary. in your case. Collectively, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in Maryland courts, and they are familiar with the procedures and judges in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and beyond. To learn more about how the firm can help with your paternity matter, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is paternity established in Maryland?

Paternity in Maryland can be established voluntarily through an acknowledgment of parentage, administratively through the Child Support Administration, or by a court order after genetic testing. When both parents agree, they can sign an Affidavit of Parentage, which is filed with the Division of Vital Records. If one parent disputes paternity, either parent may open a case with the Child Support Administration or file a Complaint in court. The court can order genetic testing, and if the test shows a probability of 99.0% or higher, the court may enter an order establishing paternity. An experienced paternity lawyer can guide you through the process and represent you in court.

What rights does a father gain after paternity is established?

Once paternity is legally established, a father gains the right to seek custody and visitation, and he becomes responsible for child support. The father can petition the court for physical and legal custody, and the court will apply the trusted-interests-of-the-child standard. The father also has the right to be involved in major decisions affecting the child, such as education and health care. The child gains inheritance rights and eligibility for benefits like Social Security and health insurance through the father. If you have questions about your rights as a father, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can a mother refuse a paternity test in Maryland?

A mother can refuse to cooperate, but a court can order genetic testing over her objection if a paternity action is filed. If a mother declines to participate in testing, the court may draw an adverse inference against her. The court has the authority to compel genetic testing to determine paternity, and the results can establish the legal father. For the testing to be admissible, it must be conducted by an accredited laboratory. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can file the necessary motions to request court-ordered testing and help ensure the process is properly followed.

How long does a paternity case take in Maryland?

The timeline for a paternity case in Maryland varies depending on whether the case is contested, the court’s calendar, and whether genetic testing is required. If both parents voluntarily acknowledge paternity, the process can be resolved quickly. Contested cases that require genetic testing and court hearings take longer, as the parties must wait for test results and a court date. Cases that involve custody and child support may take additional time. Our firm works to move cases forward efficiently while protecting our clients’ interests. For a better understanding of the likely timeline in your situation, reach our location at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a paternity lawyer in Maryland?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for a paternity case in Maryland, but having an attorney can protect your rights and help you achieve a fair outcome. Paternity cases often involve complex procedural rules, genetic evidence, and intersecting issues of custody and support. An experienced attorney can handle the paperwork, present evidence effectively, and advocate for your position in court. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have handled numerous Maryland family law cases and understand the local court practices. To discuss whether representation is right for you, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What if the alleged father lives out of state?

Maryland courts can establish paternity even if the alleged father lives in another state, but the process may involve additional jurisdictional steps. Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, Maryland can exercise personal jurisdiction over an out-of-state father in certain circumstances. Service of process must be made on the out-of-state parent according to the rules of that jurisdiction. Because Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is admitted in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, the firm is equipped to handle multi-state paternity matters efficiently. Contact our Rockville location at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your interstate paternity case.

For additional information, consult the official sites of the Maryland Judiciary at Maryland Courts and the Maryland Code, Family Law Article, at Maryland Family Law Statutes.

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