Unmarried Couples
When unmarried couples have a baby, only the mother is automatically recognized as the legal parent. This means that the other parent and the baby will miss out on important benefits and obligations of the parent-child relationship unless further action is taken.
Most of the time, unmarried couples choose to sign the Affidavit of Parentage at the hospital or birthing center. An affidavit is a sworn statement, both parents have to sign it in the presence of an official witness.
The Affidavit of Parentage states the following:
- the parents agree that the father is the biological and legal father of he baby.
- the father’s name is added to the birth certificate.
- the father may have to pay child support and the child has the right to inherit from the father.
- custody rights stay with the mother.
- the father earns the right to go to court and ask for a new custody and visitation schedule.
If you have any doubts about paternity, don’t sign the affidavit because once it’s signed, it is a legally binding document that’s very hard to overturn. Instead, pursue your right to genetic testing. You also have the right to talk to a lawyer before you sign anything. If you want to look at a copy of the affidavit, call the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records at 410-764-3182.
Evan Koslow will work to help you with:
- Drafting a Cohabitation Agreement
- Keeping your parental rights intact
- Resolving child custody and visitation disputes
- Negotiating child support
“I had a very good experience working with Evan through my separation and divorce. He was very attentive and responsive, and made me feel confident in how the proceedings would go. I would use him again in the future and absolutely recommend him.”
Evan Koslow also has experience with:
- adoption
- separation agreements
- paternity actions
- custody, visitation and support
- mediation
As a law firm that focuses exclusively on family law matters, there are legal issues that may continue to present challenges to unmarried couples. Evan Koslow has successfully taken on hundreds of the most difficult and complex divorce and family law cases in Maryland. The Koslow Law Firm is experienced in handling every unique case.