Q: What legal actions can I take against my children’s father for neglect and abandonment in Maryland?
I am currently Homeless I have two small toddlers, and I am currently pregnant. The father of my children refuses to provide any help and does not pick the children up one days he said he supposed to. He does not send financial help, and he is verbally, and sometimes physically abusive to me. What legal actions can I take against him for the sake of myself and my children?
A:
First, if you are homeless with children the immediate need would seem to be to secure housing for your family. A variety of government and non-government agencies are available to help. The local Department of Social Services may be a good place to start, or you may want to reach out to an organization that helps victims of domestic violence with housing and other legal resources, including if appropriate securing protective orders or other safety legal measures (House of Ruth, YWCA and many other organizations are dedicated to helping).
It isn't clear if you are located in DC or MD. In MD, for assistance with seeking child support from your children's father, you might go to a free family law "pro se" clinic staffed by volunteer family law attorneys that generally open to the public several days a week. In many counties this service is offered in the law library in the Circuit Court, but you can check with the specific county you may be located in.
While not legal advice, I hope that this helps.
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