Md. Code, Family Law § 5-1016
This is the official text of Md. Code, Family Law § 5-1016, part of Maryland’s Code, Family Law — governs marriage, divorce, child custody and support, and adoption.
Not legal advice. This page reproduces the official text of a government statute for reference only. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on your specific facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
§5–1016.
Official statutory text
(a) (1) Before or after the filing of a complaint, the alleged father may propose a settlement concerning the child’s support whether the alleged father admits or denies paternity.
(2) The proposed contribution may be in a lump sum, installments, or otherwise.
(b) A settlement agreement shall be prepared, executed, and submitted to the court for approval if:
(1) the complainant agrees to accept the settlement;
(2) the attorney for the Administration is satisfied that the amount and terms of the settlement are fair and reasonable;
(3) the complainant has been advised properly regarding the contents of the settlement; and
(4) the complainant is competent to accept the settlement.
(c) If the court approves the settlement agreement, the terms of the agreement shall be incorporated in a court order.
(d) A court order incorporating a settlement agreement is as enforceable as any order that is passed after a hearing.
(2) The proposed contribution may be in a lump sum, installments, or otherwise.
(b) A settlement agreement shall be prepared, executed, and submitted to the court for approval if:
(1) the complainant agrees to accept the settlement;
(2) the attorney for the Administration is satisfied that the amount and terms of the settlement are fair and reasonable;
(3) the complainant has been advised properly regarding the contents of the settlement; and
(4) the complainant is competent to accept the settlement.
(c) If the court approves the settlement agreement, the terms of the agreement shall be incorporated in a court order.
(d) A court order incorporating a settlement agreement is as enforceable as any order that is passed after a hearing.
Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site
Dealing with a family matter in Maryland?
See all Maryland Family lawyers
About this page: Statute text is reproduced from official government publishers via the
Open US Law dataset
(Vaquill AI, snapshot v2026.08, CC BY 4.0). Primary legislative text like this is public domain under the government-edicts doctrine
(Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 2020). We link every section back to its official source so you can verify it independently.