Legitimation and Paternity
Legitimation and Paternity in Georgia: Protecting Your Rights with an Experienced Alpharetta Family Law Attorney
In Georgia, if you are a father seeking to establish your legal rights to your child, or a mother seeking to ensure the father’s responsibilities are recognized, understanding legitimation and paternity is essential. Without the proper legal recognition, fathers who are not married to the mother at the time of their child’s birth may not automatically have legal rights or responsibilities for the child. If you find yourself in this situation, consulting with an Alpharetta family law attorney is crucial to navigate the complexities of Georgia’s legitimation and paternity laws.
Understanding Legitimation in Georgia
If you helped conceive a child, love them, and raise them, you are a father in every sense of the word. However, if you were not married to the mother at the time of birth, you are not considered the legal father under Georgia law. This lack of legal recognition means you have:
- No legal right to the child
- No legal responsibility to the child
To change this and gain legal recognition as a parent, you must pursue legitimation. Legitimation grants you the right to:
- Have custody of your child
- Have visitation with your child
- Inherit from your child
- Have the child inherit from you
- Along with these rights come important responsibilities, including:
- The obligation to pay child support
Determining Paternity in Georgia
If the biological father’s legal status is unclear, the mother may file a Petition for Determination of Paternity. This process will involve DNA testing to identify the father. However, it’s important to note that while this determines the father’s financial obligation (child support), it does not automatically grant visitation or custody rights.
If you are the father seeking legal rights, you must file a counterclaim to the mother’s petition asking the court to determine your legal rights. Having an Alpharetta family law attorney assist you ensures that your interests are protected and that you pursue the necessary legal actions to secure your rights.
Why You Need an Alpharetta Family Law Attorney for Legitimation and Paternity Cases
Navigating legitimation and paternity laws can be complicated. Whether you are a father seeking to establish your legal rights or a mother ensuring that the father fulfills his responsibilities, having an experienced family law attorney in Alpharetta is crucial. A skilled attorney will help you understand your legal options, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure the best outcome for your child.
At Hastings Shadmehry, we specialize in paternity and legitimation cases, guiding clients through the process with efficiency and expertise. Our experienced Alpharetta family law attorneys will ensure that your rights are upheld and that the legal process is handled smoothly.
If you need assistance with legitimation or paternity in Georgia, contact us today. Call 770-641-8200 or email us to schedule a consultation. Let us help you protect your parental rights and secure your child’s future.
