Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
I am a single mother living in Maryland, do I have sole rights to my child?. The father and I were never married and he lives in a different state, but now wants to have joint custody.
2 Answers from Attorneys
If his name isn't on the birth certificate he has no immediate rights, as there is no presumption that he is the father. He would have to come to Md and acknowledge paternity as part of a custody action. He should be paying child support, and if he does take legal action, you can ask the court to order him to pay support. On the other hand, if he's not trying to take physical custody but only wants visitation and some say in the child's upbringing, and is willing to pay support, and you have no problem with that, you could probably work out an agreement that would be enforced by the court.
You should take prompt action to acquire legal jurisdiction in Maryland, assuming you intend to reside here for some period of time. Additionally, you should seek child support. Contact me to discuss.