paternity lawyer Maryland, MD

Paternity establishes the legal relationship between a father and a child. In Maryland, resolving paternity can create rights to custody, parenting time, and child support, and it also carries the responsibility to provide for a child. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents clients in paternity matters across Maryland. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, and his Of Counsel team handle paternity cases from voluntary acknowledgments through contested court proceedings. Whether you are a mother seeking support, a father looking to secure parental rights, or a party challenging an allegation, experienced family law counsel can help you understand the legal process and work toward a resolution that protects your interests. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Paternity Means in Maryland

In Maryland family law, paternity is the legal determination of a child’s biological father. Once paternity is established, the father gains enforceable rights—such as the ability to seek custody or visitation—and incurrs a duty to provide financial support. Paternity also affects inheritance rights and access to medical history. Maryland courts treat paternity as a foundational step before issuing custody or support orders. The Maryland Family Law Article governs paternity proceedings, and cases may be heard in the Circuit Court for the county of residence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Regularly appears in courts throughout Maryland, including the Circuit Courts for Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Frederick County.

Maryland provides several paths to establish paternity. Unmarried parents may sign a voluntary Affidavit of Parentage at the hospital or later through the Department of Health, which creates a legal father-child relationship without court involvement. When disagreement or uncertainty exists, either parent or the State may file a complaint to establish paternity in Circuit Court. The court can order genetic testing, and a test result showing a probability of 99% or higher creates a presumption of paternity under Maryland law. Once paternity is adjudicated, the court addresses custody, visitation, and child support according to Maryland child-support guidelines and the trusted-interests-of-the-child standard. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are experienced in handling both agreed and contested paternity matters throughout the state.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Paternity Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each paternity matter by first listening to the client’s goals. Some clients want to secure parenting time and a role in the child’s life; others face a support obligation and need a fair calculation. The team gathers relevant documents—birth records, any existing acknowledgment, financial information—and reviews the procedural posture of the case. If paternity has not yet been adjudicated, the attorney explores whether a voluntary acknowledgment is possible or whether genetic testing will be required. When testing is needed, the process is managed through the court, and the results are analyzed with the client’s objectives in mind.

Once paternity is established, the focus shifts to related orders. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel collaborate on custody agreements, parenting schedules, and child-support calculations that reflect the Maryland child-support guidelines and the specific circumstances of the family. If disputes arise—over testing, visitation, or the amount of support—the team represents clients in negotiation and in court. Throughout the matter, the firm works to keep clients informed and to move the case toward resolution without unnecessary expense or delay. The goal is a durable legal arrangement that protects the relationship between parent and child while respecting the rights of all parties. Results vary; prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since 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 background as a former prosecutor informs his approach to litigation in paternity and family-law disputes. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel oversees the firm’s family-law practice and works directly with his Of Counsel to prepare every matter.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Firm-wide, the team has documented 4,739+ case results since 1997 across all practice areas. Each Of Counsel attorney is engaged through Excella and contributes concentrated experience in family law and litigation. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel serve clients throughout Maryland from the firm’s Rockville location and by appointment.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is paternity established in Maryland?

Paternity in Maryland can be established through a voluntary Affidavit of Parentage signed by both parents or through a court order after genetic testing. Unmarried parents may complete the affidavit at the hospital or later via the Maryland Department of Health. If parents disagree or the alleged father refuses to acknowledge the child, a party may file a complaint in Circuit Court. The court can order DNA testing, and if the result shows a 99% or greater probability of paternity, that creates a legal presumption. Once established, paternity enables the court to issue custody, visitation, and child-support orders. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What rights does establishing paternity give a father in Maryland?

Once paternity is legally established, a father gains the right to seek custody, visitation, and a parenting plan, and he also acquires the obligation to support the child financially. Under Maryland law, an adjudicated father stands on equal footing with the mother in custody determinations. The court will apply the trusted‑interests‑of‑the‑child standard without a presumption in favor of either parent. The father may also be entitled to information about the child’s health and education, and the child may inherit from the father. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can a mother file for paternity in Maryland if the father denies the child?

Yes, a mother can file a complaint to establish paternity in Circuit Court even if the alleged father denies being the biological parent. The court will typically order genetic testing of the mother, the child, and the alleged father. If the test confirms paternity with a probability of 99% or higher, the court will enter an order declaring the man the legal father and proceed to determine custody and support. An attorney can help the mother prepare the complaint and gathering the necessary evidence. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

How does a paternity order affect child support in Maryland?

A paternity order allows the court to calculate child support using the Maryland child‑support guidelines, which consider both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and certain expenses. The guidelines apply an income‑shares model to determine the support obligation. Until paternity is established, the father has no enforceable duty to pay support. After adjudication, the court may order retroactive support in some circumstances. The amount is based on verified financial information submitted by both parents. Results may vary. Each case depends on its unique facts. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

What if the alleged father is not cooperating with genetic testing?

If the alleged father refuses to submit to court‑ordered genetic testing, the court may draw an adverse inference and may still enter a finding of paternity based on other evidence. Refusal to comply with a testing order can also lead to contempt proceedings. The court has authority to compel participation through its inherent powers. An experienced family‑law attorney can advise on the options for enforcing the testing order and protecting the child’s interests. For guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer to establish paternity in Maryland?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer to establish paternity in Maryland, but an attorney can help navigate procedural requirements, assist with voluntary acknowledgments, and present your case in contested proceedings. Even when both parents agree, errors in the acknowledgment form can create future problems. In contested matters, a lawyer can gather evidence, arrange genetic testing through the court, and argue for custody and support orders that serve the child’s welfare. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Maryland primary sources: Md. Family Law Article · Maryland Judiciary

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.