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§ 5-1012. Answer

West's Annotated Code of MarylandFamily Law

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Family Law (Refs & Annos)
Title 5. Children (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle 10. Paternity Proceedings (Refs & Annos)
Part III. Pleading, Process, and Practice (Refs & Annos)
MD Code, Family Law, § 5-1012
§ 5-1012. Answer
Currentness
In general
(a) At any time before the case is called for trial, the defendant may file a written answer to the complaint.
Form
(b) The answer need not be in any particular form.
Denial on defendant's behalf
(c) The court shall enter a general denial of the complaint on behalf of the defendant if the defendant does not:
(1) file a written answer; or
(2) admit the material allegations of the complaint in open court.
Court to ensure that defendant understands complaint
(d) To ensure that the defendant understands the nature and substance of the complaint, the court shall read or explain the complaint to the defendant if the defendant:
(1) appears for trial without filing a written answer; or
(2) files a written answer admitting the complaint and is not represented by counsel.

Credits

Added by Acts 1984, c. 296, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1984.
Formerly Art. 16, § 66E.
MD Code, Family Law, § 5-1012, MD FAMILY § 5-1012
Current through legislation effective through April 9, 2023, from the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
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