establish paternity lawyer Prince George’s County, MD

When a child is born to unmarried parents, legal fatherhood is not automatic in Maryland. Establishing paternity is the process that creates a recognized parent-child relationship and unlocks rights—and responsibilities—for both the father and the child. Parents in Prince George’s County pursue paternity actions to secure a child’s access to health insurance, Social Security benefits, inheritance, and to set the foundation for custody, parenting time, and child support. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. assists clients with paternity matters throughout the county from its Rockville location. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle father-initiated petitions, mother-initiated support claims, and cases where paternity is contested. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation about your specific situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Establishing Paternity Means in Prince George’s County

Establishing paternity determines a child’s legal father. When a married woman gives birth, Maryland law presumes her spouse is the father. For unmarried parents, no such presumption exists. Paternity must be established voluntarily or through court action before a father can assert parental rights and before a child can receive financial support from both parents.

In Prince George’s County, paternity matters may be heard in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court—located at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro—when connected to divorce, custody, or equitable distribution. Standalone child support and paternity actions are typically initiated in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County, also in Upper Marlboro. The county’s family docket serves communities including Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. Maryland’s Uniform Parentage Act provides the statutory framework, and courts apply the trusted-interests standard to any custody and parenting-time decisions that follow paternity adjudication. Because paternity litigation can involve genetic testing, financial-disclosure obligations, and cross-jurisdictional issues when a parent lives in another state, working with attorneys familiar with local court expectations helps protect each party’s interests.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Paternity Cases

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach paternity matters with a focus on identifying each client’s objectives—whether that is confirming a biological relationship, securing parenting time, establishing child support, or resolving a dispute about legal fatherhood. The representation begins with a review of the facts: whether an affidavit of parentage was signed at the hospital, whether DNA testing is needed, and whether the parties already have an informal custody arrangement.

Based on that review, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare and file the appropriate petition in the court with jurisdiction and represent clients at hearings, mediations, and settlement conferences. When paternity is contested, the attorneys work to present medical and documentary evidence to the court. When both parties agree, the firm helps them formalize a voluntary acknowledgment that satisfies Maryland law and paves the way for a consent order on custody and support. Throughout the process, clients receive guidance on the legal implications of paternity beyond the immediate case—such as the father’s obligation to provide health insurance or the child’s right to inherit. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys remain available to answer questions as the case moves forward and to adjust strategy if circumstances change.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced family law since founding the firm in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His experience in litigation informs the firm’s approach to contested paternity and family-law disputes.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional depth to Maryland family law practice, including attorneys who formerly served as prosecutors in Maryland and understand the court procedures and judicial expectations in Prince George’s County. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle a range of family law matters spanning divorce, custody, child support, and paternity litigation. Collectively, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys provide experienced representation focused on safeguarding parental rights and the best interests of the children involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is paternity and why does it matter?

Paternity is the legal determination of a child’s biological father, and it matters because it establishes the rights and obligations of both the father and the child. Once paternity is established, a father may seek custody and parenting time, and the child gains the right to financial support, inheritance, and access to benefits such as health insurance and Social Security. Paternity also provides a child with a complete family medical history and can be an important step in emotional identity. In Maryland, both parents—or the state, through child support enforcement—may initiate paternity proceedings. The outcome affects many aspects of family life, so understanding the options early helps parents make informed decisions.

How is paternity established in Prince George’s County, Maryland?

Paternity can be established voluntarily by signing an affidavit of parentage at the hospital or later at the vital records office, or through a court order when either party petitions the court. The voluntary affidavit is generally an option when both parents agree on the father’s identity; it is a sworn legal document and has the same effect as a court order. If either parent disputes paternity or the father is unknown, a paternity petition may be filed in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County, or in the Circuit Court if tied to a divorce or custody matter. The court may order genetic testing, and after the results are received, it will issue an order establishing paternity and addressing support and parenting time as needed. Both routes require careful attention to documentation and deadlines.

Can establishing paternity affect child custody and visitation?

Yes, establishing paternity is the prerequisite for a father to seek court-ordered custody or visitation, and it allows the court to determine a parenting plan in the child’s best interests. Before paternity is legally recognized, a father generally has no enforceable rights to custody or parenting time, regardless of his biological connection to the child. Once a paternity order is entered, either parent may ask the court to decide custody and a visitation schedule. The court evaluates the trusted-interests factors under Maryland law, including the child’s relationship with each parent, the stability of each home, and any history of abuse or neglect. Paternity also opens the door for child support obligations, which are calculated according to Maryland’s child support guidelines based on each parent’s income and the amount of overnight parenting time.

Do I need a lawyer to establish paternity in Maryland?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but an experienced attorney helps ensure the process is completed correctly and that your parental rights and obligations are clearly defined. A voluntary affidavit of parentage may seem straightforward, but signing it without understanding the long-term legal consequences—including the irrevocable nature of the acknowledgment and the support obligations it triggers—can create problems years later. When the matter is contested or connected to a divorce or custody fight, the procedural rules and evidentiary requirements become more complex. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle paternity cases from straightforward affidavits to contested court hearings, making certain that every client knows what each step means before they proceed.

What happens if the other parent refuses to cooperate with paternity testing?

If the other parent refuses to participate in court-ordered genetic testing, the court may draw an adverse inference and proceed to establish paternity based on other available evidence. Maryland courts have the authority to compel DNA testing when paternity is legitimately at issue. A party who resists testing without a valid reason risks having the court rule against them on the paternity question. In practice, genetic testing is almost always completed once ordered, because the potential legal consequences of refusing are significant. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys help clients gather the information needed to support a petition and can request that the court order testing when a parent is uncooperative.

Where can I find an establish paternity lawyer in Prince George’s County?

You can reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation about establishing paternity in Prince George’s County. The firm represents clients throughout the county, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, and the surrounding communities. Consultations are available by appointment, and the legal team can discuss your situation, explain the options, and outline the next steps. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Primary-source resources:
Maryland Family Law Article |
Prince George’s County Circuit Court |
Maryland Courts

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