Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

TPR if unmarried to father

I'm pregnant but not married to the father to the child. I have repeatedly requested that we discuss this situation to which he has not responded whatsoever. This guy has a history of disappearing then showing up months or years later. I don't want to have to worry about him showing up when the kid is 10. Can I ask him to terminate his parental rights so that never has to happen?


Asked on 1/09/08, 9:44 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: TPR if unmarried to father

If you are not interested in having him financially support the child, you can simply go on with your life. Since you aren't married, he has no parental rights unless and until he formally acknowledges paternity. If he wants a relationship with the child, he will need to acknowledge his fatherhood and agree to support the child. The easiest way to accomplish this is to enter into a paternity and support agreement, but from your description, it appears unlikely that he will do this. If you need public assistance to support the child, the government will go after him to recover those benefits, and you will have to agree to cooperate in that endeavor.

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Answered on 1/09/08, 11:01 am


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