Paternity is legal fatherhood—and establishing it is one of the most important steps in the child support process. A man is generally presumed to be the father of children born to his wife during their marriage. The presumption of the husband’s paternity can be rebutted through court-ordered genetic testing. The circumstances under which paternity is presumed vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes—often in the statutes grouped together and known as the family code.
In Maryland, paternity, or legal fatherhood, is a crucial element in the child support process. The state presumes that a man is the father of a child if the child is born during his marriage to the mother. This presumption, however, is not absolute and can be challenged. If there is a dispute regarding paternity, any party can request genetic testing to determine the biological father of the child. Maryland law provides for the establishment of paternity through voluntary acknowledgment by both parents or by court order. The relevant statutes are found in the Maryland Family Law Code, which outlines the procedures for establishing and contesting paternity. It is important for individuals involved in paternity disputes to seek guidance from an attorney to navigate the legal process effectively.