§ 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.

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