Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Legal rights regarding a non-biological child

Hello,

I live in the Annapolis area. I have an ex-girlfriend who has a 3 1/2 year old son that is not my biological son, but whom I helped raise. I have provided significant financial support both during the time the mother and i dated, and since we have stopped dating. To the boy I am ''Daddy''.

The mother and the boy live in another state (Conneticutt). Is it possible for me to enter into some sort of legal parenting relationship with the boy if I have the mother's consent? None of the options I have researched, guardianship, adoption and fostering, seem appropriate. Please help.

Thanks


Asked on 11/09/00, 10:58 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lisa Lane McDevitt McDevitt Law Office

Re: Legal rights regarding a non-biological child

As long as you have the mother's consent then you could continue to have a relationship with the child. However, the mother has power to end that relationship at anytime. If that happens you would have to petition the court for visitation. If the court believes that you have already bonded with the child and that your continued relationship would be in the best interest of the child the court may grant you visitation over the mother's objection. For now, however, you are at the mercy of the mother's agreement.

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Answered on 11/09/00, 11:19 am


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