Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
Child abandonment laws...need help
I have a 2 1/2 year old grandson who was born to my young teenage daughter. The day she gave birth, the father ''broke'' up with her. He lives in De. We live in MD.
He is listed as unknown father on birth certificate. He has never seen the baby or has had contact. His drug using mother has a couple of pics and was given directions to our home to see the baby but never showed. No money or gifts or cards have been received and now my daughter is 17 and she's having nightmares that they are going to try something. What are we in for. She is expecting again and is in a happy relationship with the father and they want to get married, and he eventually adopt the baby.My husband and I have been the sole supporter for this grandbaby and we are nervouse. Please help...
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Child abandonment laws...need help
From the facts you presented, it doesn't sound like the bio father has any interest in having a relationship with this child. Legally, until paternity is established in a court proceeding, he has no right to any visitation, nor is he obligated to pay support. But if either he or your daughter were to file a petition in court to have him declared as the child's father, which I understand your daughter is not interested in doing, he could be entitled to visit with the child, but he would also be obliged to pay support to your daughter. This is probably why he hasn't made any effort to establish a relationship with the child. By the same token, his mother's relationship with the child is legally no better than his, which means you don't really have to accommodate her if you choose not to do so.
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