2010 Maryland Code
FAMILY LAW
TITLE 5 - CHILDREN
Subtitle 10 - Paternity Proceedings
Section 5-1010 - Complaint.

§ 5-1010. Complaint.
 

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

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

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

(d)  Oath of mother.-  

(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)  Consent of State's Attorney.-  

(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 State's Attorney is attached to the complaint. 

(2) The consent of the State's Attorney is not required if: 

(i) the complaint is filed on behalf of the Administration; or 

(ii) after considering testimony or information given by affidavit, or both, the court: 

1. finds that the complaint is meritorious; and 

2. 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 State's Attorney. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 16, §§ 66B, 66E, 66H; 1984, ch. 296, § 2; 1997, ch. 609, § 1.]