Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Maryland Code, Family Law § 5-1010

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) A complaint need not be in any particular form.

(b) The complaint shall be written in simple, nontechnical language.

(c) The complaint shall state the facts on which the complaint is based.

(d)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a complaint filed under this subtitle shall be supported by the oath of the mother or pregnant woman, whether or not she is a party to the paternity proceeding.

(2) The complaint may be filed without the oath if the mother or pregnant woman:

(i) is dead;

(ii) refuses to file a complaint;

(iii) refuses to disclose the identity of the father of the child;

(iv) is mentally or physically incapable of making an oath; or

(v) refuses to make the oath.

(3) If the complaint is filed without an oath under paragraph (2) of this subsection:

(i) the complainant shall verify the fact of the pregnancy or birth; and

(ii) if the mother or pregnant woman is living, she shall be made a defendant.

(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the clerk of court may not receive a complaint starting paternity proceedings unless the consent of the attorney for the Administration is attached to the complaint.

(2) The consent of the attorney for the Administration is not required if, after considering testimony or information given by affidavit, or both, the court:

(i) finds that the complaint is meritorious; and

(ii) rules that the consent is not required.

(3) Except by an order of court for good cause shown, a proceeding under this subtitle may not be dismissed voluntarily without the consent of the attorney for the Administration.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maryland Code, Family Law § 5-1010 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/md/family-law/md-code-family-sect-5-1010/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard