Nguyen Roche Sutton
  • Home
  • Lawyers
    • Jason Nguyen
    • Erin Roche
    • Tim Sutton
    • Aaron Goodwin
    • Matthew Thumser
    • Mark Sobel
    • Gary Damico
  • Practices
    • Business and Corporate Law
      • Commercial Litigation
    • Real Estate Law
      • Real Estate Litigation
    • Family Law
      • Divorce
        • High-Asset Divorce
      • Child Custody
      • Child Support
      • Alimony/Spousal Support
      • Adoption
      • Domestic Violence
      • Marital Agreements
        • Prenuptial Agreements
        • Postnuptial Agreements
      • Mediation
      • Paternity
      • Property Division
      • Visitation
    • Estate Planning
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer
      • Domestic Violence
        • Child Abuse
      • Drugs
      • DUI
        • Second-Offense DUI
      • Guns
      • Homicide
      • Theft
      • Sex Crimes
      • Child Pornography
    • Personal Injury
  • Industries
  • Let’s Talk
  • (443) 238-0160
  • Menu Menu
  • Our Firm
  • Insights
  • Resources
  • Inclusion
  • Careers
(443) 238-0160
  • Home
  • Lawyers
    • Jason Nguyen
    • Erin Roche
    • Tim Sutton
    • Aaron Goodwin
    • Matthew Thumser
    • Mark Sobel
    • Gary Damico
  • Practices
    • Business and Corporate Law
      • Commercial Litigation
    • Real Estate Law
      • Real Estate Litigation
    • Family Law
      • Divorce
        • High-Asset Divorce
      • Child Custody
      • Child Support
      • Alimony/Spousal Support
      • Adoption
      • Domestic Violence
      • Marital Agreements
        • Prenuptial Agreements
        • Postnuptial Agreements
      • Mediation
      • Paternity
      • Property Division
      • Visitation
    • Estate Planning
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer
      • Domestic Violence
        • Child Abuse
      • Drugs
      • DUI
        • Second-Offense DUI
      • Guns
      • Homicide
      • Theft
      • Sex Crimes
      • Child Pornography
    • Personal Injury
  • Industries
  • Our Firm
  • Insights
  • Inclusion
  • Careers
  • Resources
    • Reviews
    • Blog
    • Events
    • Pay Online
  • Let’s Talk

Paternity

Establishing paternity is not just a legal necessity but also a crucial step for a child and their parents.

It ensures that a child receives both parents’ financial and emotional support, providing them with a sense of security and emotional stability throughout their upbringing. Whether you are a mother or father, you should consult with a paternity lawyer to take the first step in establishing your child’s future. Call today to speak with a skilled family attorney at Nguyen Roche Sutton.

How is Paternity Established?

If the parents are married, the paternity is automatically assumed. If one parent feels they are not the father, they may request a DNA test to prove paternity.

The same DNA testing can establish parental responsibility for unmarried parents. However, it can also be established through a court order or an Affidavit of Parentage form, which can be filled out in the hospital or taken home.

Both will allow the other parent to be listed on the birth certificate. Once signed, this is a legally binding commitment.

The Importance of Establishing Paternity

Laws are in place to ensure that parents share equal legal responsibility when raising a child. However, when two parents are not married, paternity must be established. Not only will it benefit the custodial parent, but it may also benefit the child. For instance, the child can:

  • Receive benefits from the other parent
  • Know the family medical history
  • Have emotional and financial support from the father

Establishing paternity also provides financial support for the mother, which is a significant benefit. An Owing Mills attorney plays a crucial role in guiding a parent through the legal paternity process. Call today to schedule an appointment and get the professional support you need.

What Happens If the Mother Is Married to Someone Else?

If the mother is married to someone other than the baby’s father at the time of conception, the Affidavit of Parentage will not be an option for establishing paternity. The husband is automatically assumed to be the baby’s father, making it difficult for them to contest paternity.

Removing paternal rights from the husband can only be done if he insists and seeks genetic testing. In most cases, it also requires the assistance of the courts and a legal team.

Time Limit for Establishing Paternity

People who wish to establish paternity for a child may do so at any time within the first 18 years of that child’s life. There is also no time limit set for a person to challenge paternity. However, it can become more difficult as the child ages.

For instance, a person seeking to rescind an Affidavit of Parentage must complete it within 60 days of signing the original affidavit. This form will not be canceled if it is beyond that time without seeking help from a judge.

An Owings Mills lawyer from Nguyen Roche Sutton could answer any questions their client has during a consultation.

Schedule an Initial Meeting With a Paternity Attorney Iin Owings MillsToday

Anytime paternity is in question, you should know your rights and responsibilities. A seasoned legal team focusing on family law could help you prove or contest fatherhood or seek financial assistance from someone who denies their responsibility.

When you need to discuss your situation with an experienced and knowledgeable professional, call our paternity lawyers today.

Case Evaluation

    Practice Areas

    • Business and Corporate Law
    • Real Estate Law
    • Family Law
    • Estate Planning
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer
    • Personal Injury

    Nguyen Roche Sutton

    Owings Mills
    500 Redland Ct,, Ste. 212
    Owings Mills, MD 21117
    Maps & Directions

    Phone: (443) 238-0160
    (By appointment only)


    Baltimore
    6 E. Eager Street
    Baltimore, MD 21202
    Maps & Directions

    Phone: (443) 238-0160
    (By appointment only)

    Review Us

    Locations

    Owings Mills
    500 Redland Ct,, Ste. 212
    Owings Mills, MD 21117
    Maps & Directions

    Phone: (443) 238-0160
    (By appointment only)

    Baltimore
    6 E. Eager Street
    Baltimore, MD 21202
    Maps & Directions

    Phone: (443) 238-0160
    (By appointment only)

    Practices

    • Business and Corporate Law
    • Real Estate Law
    • Family Law
    • Estate Planning
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer
    • Personal Injury

    Links

    • Home
    • Our Firm
    • Lawyers
    • Practices
    • Industries
    • Insights
    • Resources
    • Inclusion
    • Careers
    • Let’s Talk
    • Pay Online

    Sign Up for Our Newsletter

      © 2026 Nguyen Roche Sutton. All Rights Reserved. Site By Too Darn Loud - Digital Marketing
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy
      • Sitemap
      Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top