Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

I am from Maryland, but go to college in Tennessee. I am currently 5 months pregnant. I am suppose to graduate in May 2017, but my issue is the father of my baby is saying he will not let me take the baby back to school with me. I am very willing to have a appropriate visitation schedule where he can come visit, or I bring the baby to visit. I am scared though if I try to bring the baby back to Tennessee with me he will go after full sole physical custody. I do not want this, but it is imperative for me to graduate especially when I only have 1 year left. Once I graduate I will be back in Maryland full time- the baby will only be out of state for 6 months. Is it feasible for me to bring the child back to college with me if the father is opposing? What can I do? I really want the child with me because it will be so young.


Asked on 1/21/16, 10:55 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

The father has no legal right to keep you from taking the baby back to TN. If he files a custody petition, it is highly unlikely that a judge would separate a newborn from its mother, especially since you will be returning to MD fairly soon and he can exercise visitation rights. Also, he has an obligation to pay child support once the baby is born, and if you and he can't work out an agreeable amount, a court will order him to start paying if you file a petition for custody and support. I suggest you try to meet with a MD family attorney who can help you calculate what amount the MD child support law sets as the proper amount (you will need to know the father's income). If you don't have access to an attorney, you can contact the Prince George's County bar association for a referral or for information on walk-in clinics they have around the county for the next time you're here.

Read more
Answered on 1/21/16, 11:43 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Maryland