Clarksville Paternity Lawyer
Clarksville Paternity Attorney
Establishing paternity is a very important step that allows the parents to better help their child, whether that is financially, physically, or emotionally. If the paternity of your child is in question, it can be a very stressful time, especially when navigating the complicated court system. A Clarksville paternity lawyer is experienced with these types of cases and has the skills to represent your interests.
You don’t have to wait to file a petition with the court, and a family lawyer in Clarksville can guide you through the process.
The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA: Your Clarksville Paternity Lawyers
The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, has over 25 years of experience in paternity cases. We’ve helped many mothers and fathers establish paternity in Clarksville, and we can do the same for you. Our firm can advise and represent you through each stage of establishing paternity. This can be a sensitive time for families, so we approach paternity cases with care and focus.
Paternity Laws in Clarksville, Maryland
A skilled lawyer understands the paternity laws in Maryland, so they know the ideal ways to advance these cases. The benefits of establishing paternity include the following:
- The child might be eligible for healthcare coverage, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, life insurance, and even an inheritance.
- Having a knowledge of family medical history can help your child’s doctor if the child becomes ill.
- The child can receive emotional and financial support from both parents throughout their life, which can set them up for success as an adult.
Establishing paternity can be either voluntary or involuntary, depending on the circumstances. While either the father or the mother can file to establish paternity, the government might also do so. If, for example, the child needs to apply for Medicaid, federal law requires that the father be identified. This will allow the state to seek a child support order to reimburse public funds.
The court can also mandate testing if paternity is contested. When the court determines who the father is, then it will be formalized in a paternity order. Once this happens, then both parents will be responsible for the child’s welfare, which includes making decisions for the child regarding their education, care, support, and welfare.
Establishing Paternity
According to the CDC, 40% of births are to single women. For the child to receive parental support from the father, paternity needs to be established.
If there is a dispute about paternity, then Maryland has a scientific solution. This involves collecting DNA samples from the child, the father, and, sometimes, the mother for accuracy. It’s usually collected via a blood test or by swabbing the cheeks of the people involved, which is sent off to a lab.
If the results are easily established or the DNA of the father is at least a 99% match, then that individual is considered the father. Admitting this into evidence can require a report from the doctor or laboratory where the test was administered.
Hire a Paternity Lawyer
A Clarksville paternity attorney is especially experienced with paternity laws and understands how to support you. Because they have years of experience, they can tailor their legal advice to your specific needs and unique circumstances. A paternity attorney can:
- Explain paternity laws, both in Maryland and in the United States.
- Protect your rights, whether you’re a father seeking custody or a mother seeking support.
- Contest custody.
- Secure visitation rights.
- Dispute paternity claims.
- Represent you in paternity fraud cases, modifying child support, and adopting or terminating parental rights.
Family law can be complex and overwhelming. Having a paternity lawyer who has been through this countless times before can provide crucial reassurance, enabling you to face the paternity process with confidence.
FAQs About Clarksville, MD Paternity Law
How Much Does It Cost to Establish Paternity in Maryland?
To establish paternity in Maryland, you might have to pay the cost of a paternity blood or DNA test, which can vary by location. Usually, the party that requests the paternity test must pay for the test. If the person requesting the test prevails in the proceeding, though, then the other party might be responsible for it. The county might help cover the testing fees if the party is unable to.
How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity in Maryland?
In Maryland, a father has until the child’s eighteenth birthday to establish paternity. You can establish paternity by filing a court order or through an affidavit of parentage form. Either parent may file to establish paternity. A mother might do so to obtain financial assistance and formally establish a father for her child. A father might want to seek custody or the ability to visit their child.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Paternity Court?
While hiring a lawyer for paternity court isn’t mandatory, a skilled paternity lawyer could be invaluable through this process. They can:
- Fill out the petition accurately and on time.
- Represent your interests at court hearings.
- Answer questions you might have as you go through this process.
If paternity is established, then they can also secure child support or seek custody afterward. Having a lawyer on your side can provide you with legal and emotional support.
At What Age in Maryland Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With?
In Maryland, the judge can take the child’s wishes into account if the child can reason and form an intelligent decision. At the age of sixteen, however, the child can petition to change custody with the court. If this happens, then the court is required to hold a hearing about that petition. In general, when deciding on custody, the court considers what’s in the best interest of the child.
Contact the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA
Navigating the process and the legal terminology can be complex and emotional. Having a paternity lawyer on your side can be critical for succeeding in paternity cases.
At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we are passionate about helping our clients establish parentage. It’s important not only for the parents but also for the child, who will benefit from knowing their parents as they grow up. Our law office can provide critical counsel throughout this process.
Contact us to arrange a consultation today.
Anne Arundel County
Empire Towers
7310 Ritchie Highway, Suite 910
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Phone: 410-766-0113
Fax: 410-766-0270
Howard County On the grounds of Columbia Mall
30 Corporate Center
10440 Little Patuxent Parkway,
Suite 900
Columbia, MD 21044
Phone: 410-964-0050
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