Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Re: custody

You do not have full custody of the child without a court order. You would need to file a complaint for custody to get a court order. You can certainly file the case yourself, but it may be wise to consult with an experienced family law attorney for advice, especially if you expect the father to contest the case.

Re: custody

Both parents are considered to have full custody until otherwise determined by the court. If the other party is not contesting custody, it is fairly easy to fill out the paperwork and file for custody without a lawyer. However, if you think the other party will contest custody or you will have other issues with the party, please consult a lawyer! Additionally, each biological parent owes a duty of support to his or her children. Have you also considered filing for child support?