paternity rights lawyer Kent County, MD
You have just received a DNA test result confirming you are the father of a child in Kent County, Maryland. Or perhaps the mother is refusing to acknowledge your parental role, and you want to secure visitation, custody, or a say in your child’s upbringing. Whatever your situation, establishing paternity is the legal gateway to parental rights in Maryland. It affects child support, inheritance, medical decision-making, and your relationship with your child. Our firm’s experienced family law attorneys guide fathers and mothers through the paternity process at the Circuit Court for Kent County. Reach us at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Our Approach to Paternity Cases in Kent County
At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we concentrate our family law practice on helping families resolve sensitive legal matters. For Kent County residents—including those in Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton—a paternity case often starts with uncertainty. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys take a strategic, client-centered approach. We examine whether parentage can be established voluntarily through an Affidavit of Parentage or whether court intervention is needed. When disputes arise, we use genetic testing, gather evidence, and advocate in the Kent County Circuit Court, located at 103 N. Cross Street in Chestertown. Our familiarity with the local bench and Maryland family law helps us develop a clear path toward securing your rights.
What to Expect When Establishing Paternity in Maryland
In Maryland, paternity may be established in several ways. The most straightforward is a signed Affidavit of Parentage, typically completed at the hospital shortly after birth. When both parents sign, the father’s name appears on the birth certificate and he gains legal parentage. If the mother is unmarried and paternity is contested, either parent may file a Complaint to Establish Paternity in the Circuit Court. The court will order genetic testing through a state-approved laboratory. Once the test results confirm parentage, the court will issue an order of paternity. After paternity is established, the court may address custody, visitation, and child support—often in the same proceeding. Our attorneys ensure that all required documentation is prepared correctly and that you are informed at each stage. The process timeline varies based on court scheduling and the complexity of the case, but we work to keep things moving efficiently.
Legal Consequences of Paternity
Establishing paternity has profound legal consequences. For fathers, it creates a right to seek custody and visitation, as well as the right to participate in decisions about the child’s education, health, and welfare. For mothers, it provides the foundation for obtaining a child support order. Under Maryland’s child support guidelines (Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 12‑202), both parents’ incomes are used to calculate a support obligation. Paternity also affects inheritance rights, eligibility for benefits such as Social Security or veteran’s benefits, and the child’s access to family medical history. In contested paternity matters, the court may also decide issues of genetic testing costs, temporary orders for support, and whether a parent may be awarded attorney’s fees. Because these outcomes can shape your family’s future, having an experienced attorney at your side is critical.
About the Firm’s Paternity Rights Attorneys
Mr. Sris founded the firm in 1997 and has practiced family law across multiple jurisdictions for decades. He is a former prosecutor who understands how evidence and testimony are evaluated in court—a skill that proves invaluable during paternity trials and evidentiary hearings. Mr. Sris has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), underscoring his commitment to family law reform.
Mr. Sris works alongside the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who bring extensive combined legal experience to every case. The firm’s Of Counsel team includes a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, offering firsthand insight into how the state presents its side in family court proceedings. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. The firm’s Maryland location, by appointment only, is at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I establish paternity in Maryland?
You can establish paternity in Maryland by signing a voluntary Affidavit of Parentage or by obtaining a court order after genetic testing. The affidavit is typically signed at the hospital after the child’s birth. If either party contests paternity, a Complaint to Establish Paternity must be filed in the Circuit Court. The court will order DNA testing from an accredited lab. Once parentage is confirmed, the court issues an order that legally names the father. We represent clients throughout Kent County and can explain which route fits your situation.
Does establishing paternity give me custody rights?
Establishing paternity does not automatically grant custody, but it gives you the legal standing to petition the court for custody or visitation. Once parentage is legally recognized, a father may file a motion for custody in the Circuit Court. The court applies the “best interests of the child” standard under Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 9‑101. Factors include each parent’s fitness, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s overall well-being. Our attorneys help fathers pursue parenting time and joint legal custody when appropriate.
Can a mother refuse a paternity test?
A mother cannot unilaterally block a court-ordered paternity test; if you file a Complaint to Establish Paternity, the court will direct the mother to cooperate with genetic testing. If a party refuses testing, the court may draw an adverse inference and decide parentage based on other evidence. The court has the power to enforce its order, and failure to comply can lead to contempt sanctions. Our team advises on how to proceed if the other parent is uncooperative.
How is child support calculated after paternity is established?
Maryland uses an income‑shares model that considers both parents’ gross incomes, health insurance costs, work‑related childcare expenses, and the number of overnight visits each parent has. The guidelines are set forth in Md. Code, Family Law Art. § 12‑202. The court may depart from the guideline amount only if it finds the result would be unjust or inappropriate. We help clients present accurate financial information so the support calculation is fair to both parties.
Do I need a lawyer for a paternity case?
While you can represent yourself in Maryland, having a lawyer helps protect your rights—especially when custody, financial support, or complex genetic evidence is involved. Paternity determinations are often intertwined with claims for custody, visitation, and child support. A single hearing can have long‑term consequences for your finances and your relationship with your child. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we provide legal guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
How long does a paternity case take?
The timeline depends on whether the case is contested and on the court’s scheduling. An uncontested paternity matter, such as a voluntary affidavit, can be resolved quickly. When DNA testing is required, the case may take several weeks to a few months, allowing time for the lab to process results and for a hearing to be scheduled. Contested cases that involve custody or support disputes can extend longer. Our attorneys work to move each case forward efficiently while protecting your interests.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Other counties we serve:
Montgomery County family law attorney ·
Prince George’s County family law attorney ·
Howard County family law attorney ·
Anne Arundel County family law attorney ·
Frederick County family law attorney
Official resources:
Maryland Code, Family Law ·
Maryland Courts ·
Kent County Circuit Court
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