Charles County Paternity Lawyer
Establishing and Protecting Parental Rights with Experience and Care
Establishing legal parentage is one of the most important steps a parent can take to secure their child’s rights and well-being. Paternity impacts not only emotional and family bonds, but also legal obligations and benefits, including custody, visitation, child support, and inheritance.
Whether you’re a mother seeking child support, a father seeking custody or visitation, or a putative father challenging or confirming paternity, Fanning Law is here to help. With over three decades of experience in Maryland family law, Charles County paternity lawyer William C. Fanning, Jr. provides knowledgeable, compassionate guidance in every paternity case.
Why Establishing Paternity Matters
According to Maryland law, when a child is born to unmarried parents, the father does not automatically have legal parental rights. Establishing paternity is necessary to grant that legal recognition and provide important benefits to the family, including:
- For the child: Access to financial support, health insurance, inheritance rights, and family medical history
- For the mother: The ability to obtain child support and help with parenting responsibilities
- For the father: The legal right to seek custody, visitation, and involvement in the child’s life
Without legal paternity, a biological father has no enforceable rights—and no enforceable responsibilities.
How Paternity Is Established in Maryland
There are several ways to establish paternity in Maryland:
1. Presumption of Paternity in Marriage
If a child is born during a marriage, the husband is legally presumed to be the father. This presumption can be challenged in court but stands unless disproven.
2. Affidavit of Parentage
Unmarried parents can sign an Affidavit of Parentage at the hospital or later through the Maryland Department of Health. Once signed and notarized, this form has the same legal effect as a court order establishing paternity.
3. Court Action
If paternity is disputed or not voluntarily acknowledged, either parent—or the child through a representative—can file a petition to establish paternity in court. The court may order genetic (DNA) testing and issue an order determining the child’s legal father.
We represent both mothers and fathers in paternity actions and can guide you through each step of the court process.
Challenging Paternity in Charles County
In some cases, a man may have been listed as the father on the birth certificate or signed an Affidavit of Parentage without understanding the legal consequences. If paternity was established in error, or if new evidence arises, a legal challenge may be appropriate.
Maryland allows for challenges to paternity under limited circumstances, often within strict timeframes. It is essential to act quickly and seek legal counsel to protect your rights and avoid being held responsible for support or denied a relationship with your child. Fanning Law assists fathers who believe they have been wrongly identified and those who wish to establish paternity and secure their parental rights.
Paternity and Custody, Visitation, and Child Support
Once paternity is established, both parents have the right to request custody and visitation—and both have the responsibility to support the child financially. In many cases, the court will address these issues as part of the same proceeding that determines paternity.
We can help you:
- Petition for or defend against child support orders
- Request legal or physical custody of your child
- Negotiate a fair parenting time schedule
- Ensure the child’s best interests are front and center in every decision
Our goal is to help you build a stable, supportive family structure for your child, regardless of the relationship status between the parents.
Common Questions About Paternity in Charles County
Can I get a DNA test before going to court?
Private testing is available, but it won’t be admissible in court unless performed through an approved laboratory. If paternity is disputed, the court will typically order official testing to be done under its supervision.
What if the mother won’t allow a DNA test?
You can file a petition with the court to compel paternity testing. The court has the authority to order testing over the objections of either parent if it is in the child’s best interests.
Do I need a lawyer for a paternity case?
While it’s not required, a lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected, that the necessary steps are followed properly, and that related issues like custody and support are handled in a way that benefits your child and your role as a parent.
What if I signed the birth certificate but I’m not sure I’m the father?
Signing the birth certificate does not by itself establish paternity in Maryland—it is evidence, but not conclusive. However, if you also signed an Affidavit of Parentage, you may be considered the legal father unless the affidavit is successfully rescinded or challenged in court. A rescission affidavit must be signed, witnessed, and notarized within 60 days to be effective.
Get Help From Fanning Law, a Southern Maryland Family Law Firm Rooted in Charles County
At Fanning Law, we understand how sensitive and impactful paternity cases can be. Based in La Plata and serving all of Charles County—including Waldorf, White Plains, Indian Head, and beyond—we combine legal knowledge with a deep understanding of our local courts and community.
Whether you’re seeking to establish rights as a father, enforce financial obligations, or ensure your child receives the benefits they deserve, we provide skilled and compassionate representation every step of the way. If you have questions about paternity in Charles County, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the sooner you can secure your family’s future. Contact Fanning Law today.
