Northeast Georgia Legitimation Attorney
Fathers who are not married to the mother of their children have no rights as a parent, even if they are on the birth certificate and paying support. The only way to have legally protected rights as a father in Georgia, without being married to the mother, is through the process of legitimation. To establish your rights, you absolutely need to effectively complete this process, and we can help.
With more than 50 years of combined experience in family law, our attorneys at Hotard & Hise are ready to help fathers secure their parental rights. The petition for legitimation is a complicated piece of the law, but we are caring attorneys who put in the work to help our clients get the results they want and need.
We Will Help You File For Legitimation To Make Things Simpler
To start, you must file the petition in the Georgia Superior Court jurisdiction where the child and mother reside. This petition can include any suit you filed to establish paternity to the child. There are many complex forms and requirements that you must meet, even if there is no conflict with the mother.
If there is a contest of your legitimation procedure, then the small complexities increase significantly and create a much more cloudy outlook. We will walk you through each step of the process, help you fulfil the various paperwork needs and be with you to complete the filing in court.
Your Rights After Legitimation
Once you’ve fully legitimized, you have all the rights of a legal parent to the child. You have visitation and custody rights. You may be able to pursue child support under some circumstances. You are given legal authority to participate in decision making. You are included in the intestate inheritance that includes your child.
Get Legal Help Today
If you want to be a part of your child’s life but don’t know where to start, you don’t have to feel lost. We can help you take the needed steps to become a father to your child the way you want to be. Reach out today by calling 706-925-0797 or sending an email using this online form.