Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
Filing for Full Custody with Father Unknown
What do I do when I file for full custody when on my sons birth certificate it says father UNKNOWN and on the papers it asked for the fathers signature?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Filing for Full Custody with Father Unknown
If the father is actually unknown, and if no one is challenging you for custody, I can see no reason for filing a court action for custody. If the father is actually known, and he is threatening to assert a right to custody, he will first have to declare that he is the father and to prove it with a DNA test, which the court will order when either of you files a claim with the court.
Re: Filing for Full Custody with Father Unknown
If you know who the father is, then he would be the named defendant. He could then contest paternity by asking for a DNA test. You could also request a DNA test as proof of paternity.