What state laws apply for parental rights, when both parents are military and not married. Mom lives in Maryland and is a Pennsylvania resident. Dad lives in Japan and is a resident of North Dakota.

Support and visitation arrangements have to be made through the courts. This is generally done in the custodial parent's county of residence. Each parent's circumstances are taken into consideration when arriving at a decision.

One has to look at various situations, did both parents ever live together and if so, in what state. I have seen some issues where it was the state where both lived together last ( if it was within a certain time frame)

Often it is where the custodial parent is living ( sometimes they are required to meet certain time in state 30 days to 6 months)

So in general who ever wants to file first, will get an attorney and they will review each states law to see where it is proper to file.