Panel backs clarifying law to let minor parents seek child support without parental permission

The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony Jan. 30 on House Bill 120, which would amend family law to make clear that minor parents have the capacity to initiate and defend child-support actions without requiring parental or guardian permission.

Delegate Tavares presented the bill and said the change would remove barriers that delay or prevent teens from obtaining child support for their children. "By allowing young mothers to file independently, this bill addresses a critical need and ensures these families receive the support they deserve," the delegate said, citing statewide disparities in teen birth rates and economic vulnerability.

Maryland Legal Aid’s Erica Lamon testified in support and said the bill would remove confusion in statute and make clear that a minor parent can obtain financial support for a child. Laurie Ruth of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, speaking on behalf of the Maryland State Bar Association Family Law Section Council (and noting friendly amendments under consideration), also supported the bill. Ruth and other witnesses described existing community resources — including the statewide family-law hotline, Legal Aid and the Office of Child Support Enforcement — that can assist minor parents in filing petitions.

Witnesses said the Office of Child Support Enforcement accepts petitions and can perform enforcement and collection work; one witness estimated a $25 filing fee that can be waived for low-income filers. Committee members asked about capacity and procedural barriers; witnesses said the statute is ambiguous now and the bill merely clarifies that minor parents can file and that existing filing and intake procedures would apply. The hearing ended with proponents urging a favorable report; no committee vote was recorded in the session.