Maryland Law Doesn’t Prevent Rapists from Seeking Parental Rights

Buccal swab in test tube on paternity DNA test result chart form

There are seven states in which a convicted rapist may seek parental rights should their victim become pregnant during the commission of their crime. Maryland is one of those states. In recent news, such a case made national headlines, prompting legislators to look at just how these situations are handled in a court of law.

According to recent reports, a man in Michigan was accused and found guilty of keeping three teenage girls under his control in an abandoned house for three days. It is known that the man sexually assaulted two of the girls, one of whom became pregnant as a result of the attack. Despite the possibility of life in prison, the man was ultimately sentenced to only a year in a local jail, thanks to a plea deal. The man served six months.

The case is complicated and not entirely made of what people have been led to believe. The convicted rapist did not seek custody or parental rights. In fact, it was the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that required the mother to tell the state who the father was and to have paternity confirmed so that she could continue to receive government assistance.

Once paternity was determined, the woman’s attacker agreed to pay child support and to sign away his parental rights.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with establishing paternity in Howard County, MD, reach out to Attorney Fred L. Coover. Attorney Coover is experienced in family law, and he can assist you and your family no matter what your issue. Reach out to the office today to schedule an appointment for a case evaluation and discover more about your legal rights.