Obtaining custody over your child is not an easy task, especially if you are the father. Things get a little trickier, too, if you did not marry the mother of your child. While custody battles for unmarried fathers can be complicated, it’s not impossible.
What are custody rights for unmarried fathers?
Custody rights for unmarried fathers in Maryland include legal and physical custody. Legal custody lets you decide about your child’s education, healthcare and religious upbringing. Physical custody determines where your child lives and how much time they spend with each parent.
In Maryland, unmarried fathers don’t automatically have legal rights to their children. You must first establish parental rights over your child.
Steps to establish custody rights
To secure your rights as an unmarried father in Maryland, follow these steps:
- Sign an Affidavit of Parentage or complete genetic testing to establish paternity.
- Submit a custody petition to your county court.
- Attend mediation. Many Maryland courts require this before a custody hearing.
- Prepare for court by collecting evidence of your participation in your child’s upbringing.
- Attend the custody hearing and present your case to the judge.
Before starting this process, consult a family law attorney for guidance on Maryland’s custody laws.
Establishing custody rights focuses on your child’s best interests, not competing with the mother. Maryland courts value both parents’ roles in a child’s upbringing and aim to make decisions that benefit the child most.
By following these steps, unmarried fathers in Maryland can secure their legal rights and build strong relationships with their children. Whether you seek shared custody or visitation rights, knowing how to work with the legal system helps you become an involved father.