Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

father's rights if he is not listed on birthcertificate

If the name of the child's father is not listed on the birth certificate- what rights does the man have. Currently he is denying paternity- a blood test was done. There was a match- but he is sceptical. Can he take any course of action in the future to gain paternal rights?


Asked on 7/12/00, 6:37 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Olivier Long Law Office of Olivier Denier Long

Re: father's rights if he is not listed on birthcertificate

Either parent may file suit to establish paternity. These cases are usually not taken to trial, because blood tests with 98-99% accuracy are pretty much unbeatable evidence. If the test results indicate someone is the father and he refuses to pay support, you should sue to establish paternity. You cannot get support from someone until a court finds (or they admit) they are a parent.

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Answered on 9/09/00, 9:41 am
Carolyn Press Chung & Press. P.C.

Re: father's rights if he is not listed on birthcertificate

In general a father whose name is not on the birth certificate has the same rights held by a father whose name is on the birth certificate, if a court finds him to be the father. He has a right equal to that of the mother to custody, unless a court awards custody to the mother. He has an equal right to visitation, to access to school records and medical records, and if he is not awarded custody by the court he has an equal right to pay child support.

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Answered on 9/08/00, 6:30 pm


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