# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 10. Support in General

### Subtitle 1. Civil and Criminal Enforcement

#### Section 10-115

(a) In this section, "legal proceeding" means:

  (1) a civil action for child support;

  (2) a paternity proceeding under Title 5, Subtitle 10 of this article; and

  (3) a proceeding under Subtitle 3 of this title.

(b) In any support action in which the Administration is providing child support services under federal law, the Administration may initiate a legal proceeding to establish, modify, or enforce a duty of support.

(c) In a legal proceeding, the Administration shall be represented by:

  (1) the Attorney General;

  (2) the State's Attorney, if the State's Attorney has agreed to provide representation under subsection (g) of this section; or

  (3) a qualified lawyer who is appointed by and subject to supervision and removal by the Attorney General.

(d) An attorney who initiates or participates in a legal proceeding under this section shall represent the Administration.

(e) Representation of the Administration by an attorney under this section:

  (1) creates an attorney-client relationship between that attorney and the Administration; and

  (2) does not create an attorney-client relationship between that attorney and any other person.

(f) The attorney representing the Administration in a legal proceeding under this section shall advise the person whom the Administration has approved for child support services that the attorney's representation of the Administration does not create an attorney-client relationship between the attorney and that person.

(g)

  (1) A State's Attorney may make a written agreement with the Secretary of Human Services and the county to provide legal representation for a fiscal year. An agreement shall be made by September 1 of the year preceding the fiscal year for which representation will be provided.

  (2) An agreement shall establish reasonable administrative and fiscal requirements for:

    (i) providing and continuing representation; and

    (ii) reimbursement.

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Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)