paternity rights lawyer Salisbury, MD

Paternity rights in Salisbury, Maryland, determine legal parentage for a child born outside of marriage. Establishing paternity affects custody, visitation, child support, and inheritance rights. In Wicomico County, paternity matters are heard at the Wicomico County Circuit Court (Family Division) and the District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County, both located at 201 Baptist Street, Suite 100, Salisbury, MD 21801. Whether you are a mother seeking support, an unmarried father wanting to secure parenting time, or a man contesting parentage, the legal process requires careful navigation of Maryland family law. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent clients in paternity cases throughout Salisbury, Fruitland, Delmar, Hebron, Mardela Springs, and surrounding communities. To discuss your matter, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Paternity Rights Means in Salisbury, Maryland

Under Maryland law, paternity establishes the legal father of a child. For unmarried parents, paternity is not automatic—even if the father’s name appears on the birth certificate. Maryland Code, Family Law Article § 5-1028 provides that an unmarried father may acknowledge paternity through an affidavit of parentage, which both parents sign before a notary. Alternatively, paternity can be established by court order, often after genetic testing. Once paternity is legally recognized, a father gains the right to seek custody or visitation, and both parents gain the ability to request child support consistent with Maryland’s child support guidelines (Family Law Art. § 12-202).

In Salisbury and the broader Eastern Shore, paternity cases frequently intersect with equitable distribution concerns when parents later marry or divorce. The Wicomico County Circuit Court handles paternity disputes that accompany divorce or custody actions, while the District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County may hear paternity-related support matters. Local practice requires the completion of a parenting seminar in cases involving minor children, and the court may order mediation. Because Salisbury is the commercial hub of the Delmarva Peninsula, family-owned businesses and agricultural assets can arise in related equitable distribution matters. Understanding how paternity fits into this landscape helps clients protect their rights and plan effectively.

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

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. takes a thorough approach to paternity matters. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by evaluating the facts: whether an affidavit of parentage has been signed, whether genetic testing is necessary, and what relief the client seeks—be it custody, visitation, support, or a challenge to paternity. The firm then guides clients through the procedural steps, which may include filing a Complaint for paternity in the appropriate court, engaging in discovery, and representing clients at hearings. Because paternity determinations can be contested, the firm works to present medical records, testimony, and documentary evidence to support the client’s position. Throughout, the firm’s attorneys focus on reaching a resolution that serves the child’s best interests while protecting the client’s legal standing.

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to these cases. Results may vary. The firm’s familiarity with Wicomico County court procedures—including the Circuit Court’s scheduling and the District Court’s jurisdiction over support matters—enables the firm to address the practical realities of paternity litigation on the Eastern Shore. The firm also assists clients with related issues such as custody modifications, child support enforcement, and interstate paternity when one parent resides outside Maryland.

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 with experience in criminal trial work. He founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice 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). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include practitioners with backgrounds in Maryland prosecution and litigation, and they concentrate their work on family law, criminal defense, and traffic matters. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across multiple practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

The firm maintains a Rockville, Maryland location, from which it serves clients throughout the state, including Salisbury and Wicomico County. Consultations are available by appointment. To reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, call (888) 437-7747.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I establish paternity in Maryland if I’m an unmarried father?

An unmarried father can establish paternity by signing an affidavit of parentage with the mother, or by petitioning the court for a paternity order after genetic testing. The affidavit of parentage is typically signed at the hospital when the child is born, but it can also be completed later through the Maryland Division of Vital Records. If either party contests paternity, the court may order DNA testing. Once paternity is legally established, the father may seek custody, visitation, or challenge child support obligations. The process is governed by Maryland Family Law Article § 5-1028 and related sections. Working with an attorney helps ensure the paperwork is correct and the father’s rights are protected.

What rights does a father gain after paternity is established in Salisbury, Maryland?

Once paternity is legally recognized, a father has the right to seek custody, visitation, or parenting time, and both parents have the right to request child support. Under Maryland law, custody and visitation are determined by the best interests of the child (Family Law Art. § 9-101). The father may also be added to the child’s birth certificate and can make decisions about medical care, education, and religion. Establishing paternity can also affect inheritance rights and eligibility for benefits through the father. In Salisbury, these matters are heard at the Wicomico County Circuit Court. A family law attorney can assist with filing the necessary motions and representing the father in court.

Can I challenge paternity if I believe I am not the father?

Yes, a man named as a child’s father may challenge paternity by requesting genetic testing through the Maryland court system. If the testing excludes the man as the biological father, the court may set aside a prior paternity acknowledgment. However, legal deadlines apply, and acting promptly is important. Simply refusing to sign an affidavit is not always enough; if a court order already exists, the father must file a motion to vacate. An experienced family law attorney can assess the evidence, file the appropriate pleading, and represent the client during the proceedings at the Wicomico County Circuit Court.

Does paternity affect child support in Maryland?

Yes, once paternity is established, a father becomes legally responsible for child support calculated under Maryland’s child support guidelines. The Maryland guidelines (Family Law Art. § 12-202) consider the combined income of both parents, the number of children, health insurance costs, child care expenses, and the amount of parenting time. The District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County or the Circuit Court may issue child support orders. If a father fails to pay, enforcement actions may include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and contempt proceedings. Legal representation helps ensure the support amount is calculated fairly and that the father’s parental rights are preserved.

What happens if the mother refuses to cooperate with paternity testing?

If a mother refuses to cooperate with court-ordered genetic testing, the court may draw an adverse inference and may make a determination based on other available evidence. The father’s attorney can file a motion to compel testing, and the court has the authority to enforce its order. In paternity cases, the child’s best interests guide the court’s decisions, and refusing testing does not automatically prevent a father from establishing his rights. Working with a lawyer familiar with Wicomico County court procedures can help navigate these challenges. The firm can assist with filing the necessary motions and presenting evidence to support the father’s request.

Do I need a lawyer for a paternity case in Salisbury, Maryland?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer for a paternity matter, but legal guidance can help protect your rights and ensure the procedure is handled correctly. Paternity cases can involve contested genetic testing, complex child support calculations, custody disputes, and evidentiary hearings. A misstep—such as filing the wrong form or missing a deadline—can delay the case or result in an unfavorable order. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys understand the local court system and can provide representation throughout the process. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

For related family law representation in counties across Maryland, see:

For official information on Maryland family law, visit the Maryland Judiciary at Maryland Courts and the Maryland General Assembly for the Maryland Family Law Code.

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.