Maryland Code, Family Law § 5-1002

(1) this State has a duty to improve the deprived social and economic status of children born out of wedlock; and

(2) the policies and procedures in this subtitle are socially necessary and desirable.

(1) to promote the general welfare and best interests of children born out of wedlock by securing for them, as nearly as practicable, the same rights to support, care, and education as children born in wedlock;

(2) to impose on the mothers and fathers of children born out of wedlock the basic obligations and responsibilities of parenthood; and

(3) to simplify the procedures for determining paternity, custody, guardianship, and responsibility for the support of children born out of wedlock.