Paternity Is Important to the Future of Your Child
In Maryland, a child born to unmarried parents has no legal father. If he chooses, an unmarried biological father can establish legal rights by putting his name on the child's birth certificate and signing an Affidavit of Parentage before the child turns 18.
At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we represent fathers and mothers in paternity actions, whether they are seeking or contesting paternity. Our attorneys understand that this can be a sensitive issue for all parties. However, we also know that it is a crucial element in providing for the child's future. For a free initial consultation with a Maryland paternity actions lawyer, please call 800-266-8151 or contact us online.
Proving and Disproving Paternity
It is important for unmarried parents to obtain a legal determination of paternity. An unmarried father must be legally recognized as the child's father by the court before he can receive rights to child custody and visitation. Legally establishing paternity is also a critical step in protecting the future of the child. Once paternity is established, the child is provided with access to child support and additional benefits from the father such as:
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Social Security benefits
- Veterans benefits
- Inheritance rights
Either the mother or the alleged father is allowed to file a paternity action. If the alleged father does not sign an Affidavit of Parentage, a painless DNA swab test will be used to prove or disprove paternity. Mothers may file a paternity suit if they wish to establish child support for the children. An unmarried father can also file to establish his rights to a child.
Men who have been wrongly named as the father may file a paternity suit to prove that they are not the biological father. In these cases, the court will determine paternity with a DNA test.
Howard County Child Custody Attorneys
To schedule a free initial consultation, please call 800-266-8151 today. We have offices in Glen Burnie and Columbia.
