Fulton Paternity Lawyer
Fulton Paternity Attorney
If you are looking for a Fulton paternity lawyer you can trust, then you are dealing with a legal matter that is not only personal but that can impact the rest of your life. Establishing paternity is important because it is more than just finding out who the biological father of your child is. Paternity is the legal beginning of a child support, custody, and visitation case, and it is also the legal recognition of the emotional relationship between a parent and child. For legal matters that go beyond paternity, working with a Fulton, MD family law attorney can help protect your parental rights and future.
The process of legally establishing paternity or disestablishing paternity can be complicated in Maryland, particularly when the case is contested. At our firm, we understand paternity cases and know how to guide parents through this process with compassion and a thorough knowledge of paternity laws in Maryland.
Understanding Paternity Cases in Maryland
Paternity in Maryland can be established in two ways: by the execution of a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity or an Affidavit of Parentage by both parents or through a Court Order as the result of genetic testing. The court can order genetic testing in contested cases to determine a child’s parentage.
To be adjudicated as a legal father by the court, the genetic test must demonstrate a 97.3% or greater probability that the alleged father is the biological father of the child.
Establishing paternity means that a child can get financial support, health benefits, inheritance, and other rights. The father can seek custody or visitation with his child. Disproving a false paternity accusation must happen to eliminate the accompanying lifelong legal and financial responsibilities.
Paternity must be established in order to file for child support. In 2022, the average child support payment in Maryland was $488. In that same year, the state had a caseload of 160,413, a 20% decrease from 2016.
Residents of Fulton, Maryland handle paternity filings through the Howard County Circuit Court, located at 9250 Judicial Way in Ellicott City.
The Legal Process for Paternity in Fulton
In most cases, a parent or the Maryland Child Support Administration files a petition with the Howard County Circuit Court. When paternity is not already established, the court will usually order genetic testing. The tests are fast, painless, and usually done by cheek swab. The results can take a few weeks to get back.
Establishing paternity means the court may order child support, legal custody, visitation, and sometimes, even an amendment to the birth certificate. Paternity claims confirmed under false pretenses or coercion allow clients to retract acknowledgment within 60 days or, in cases of fraudulent identification, after that period through additional legal proceedings.
Modifying Orders After Paternity is Established
Getting paternity established is often just the first step of a legal journey. The court will make orders for child support, custody, and visitation based on the paternity information, but life changes, and those orders may no longer be in the best interests of the child. The Maryland courts allow parents to seek modification of their child support, custody, and visitation orders when a substantial change of circumstances has occurred.
Reasons for seeking modification may include a significant change in income, a parent relocating, the changing needs of the child, and circumstances that may have an effect on the child’s safety and well-being. If the parent paying child support no longer has a job or the child has new medical issues requiring additional financial support, a petition can be filed in the Howard County Circuit Court for a modification to the current order.
Hire a Paternity Lawyer with the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA
The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, offers committed, results-oriented representation in complex family law matters, including paternity, custody, and support. Managing Attorney Todd K. Mohink has over 20 years of experience, and he and his team are dedicated to protecting the rights of Maryland families.
Managing Attorney Todd Mohink is an experienced trial lawyer and is a respected advocate in Howard County, with a history of strong client service and ethical conduct. Associate Attorneys Brandon C. Buchholz and Kristen Fon L. Lim are both aggressive litigators with litigation experience who prioritize the needs of our clients.
From establishing paternity to modifying a court order, our Fulton paternity attorneys can provide clarity and results. We serve clients in Fulton and throughout Maryland with responsive attention and a commitment to all our cases.
FAQs About Paternity Law in Fulton,MD
How Much Is a Paternity Attorney?
The cost of hiring a paternity attorney depends on the complexity of your case, how contested the issues are, and the amount of time involved. Some cases resolve quickly with minimal court involvement, while others require multiple hearings and detailed legal work. It’s recommended to consult with an attorney directly to get an estimate tailored to your situation.
What Is the Fastest Way to Establish Paternity?
The quickest path to establishing paternity is when both parents voluntarily sign an Affidavit of Parentage at the hospital or through the Maryland Department of Health. This avoids court and testing delays. However, if there’s any dispute, the process may require a court order and genetic testing, which can take longer to resolve.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Court-Ordered Paternity Test?
You’re not legally required to hire a lawyer to request a court-ordered paternity test, but having legal guidance can help. An attorney can ensure you file correctly, prepare for hearings, and protect your rights. This is especially helpful if the case involves custody, support, or disputes about parentage, which can affect the parents’ and child’s futures.
Can a Mother Refuse to Establish Paternity?
A mother can delay or resist signing paperwork, but she can’t ultimately block a legal paternity case. If the alleged father files in court, the judge can order genetic testing. Maryland law prioritizes a child’s right to know both parents, so the court can move forward regardless of a parent’s refusal.
Contact the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA Today
If you are ready to take the next step in your paternity case, our team is here to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get answers tailored to your situation. Your rights and your child’s future deserve trusted legal support.
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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