2030

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 296

(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.

(B) PURPOSE.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS SUBTITLE IS:

(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.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language derived
without substantive change from former Article 16, §
66A.

In subsection (a)(1) of this section, the word
"improve" is substituted for the former word
"ameliorate", for clarity.

Defined term: "Support" § 1-101

5-1003. RESERVED.

5-1004. RESERVED.

PART II. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

5-1005. LEGITIMATION PROCEEDINGS.

(A)  IN GENERAL.

AN EQUITY COURT MAY DETERMINE THE LEGITIMACY OF A CHILD
PURSUANT TO § 1-208 OF THE ESTATES AND TRUSTS ARTICLE.

(B)  BAR.

THIS SECTION DOES NOT LIMIT PATERNITY PROCEEDINGS UNDER THIS
SUBTITLE EXCEPT AFTER THE LEGITIMATION OF A CHILD UNDER THIS
SECTION.

REVISOR'S NOTE: Subsection (a) of this section is new

language derived without substantive change from

former CJ § 3-602(a)(2) and the first sentence of (a),

as that sentence related to legitimation.