Babies do not always follow marriage. In fact, a large proportion of children born today are delivered to unwed parents. Though they may not realize it, this situation affects the legal rights and responsibilities of parenthood for both the mother and the father. Establishing paternity and completing the legitimation process is a way to secure and protect parental rights.
The Atlanta paternity lawyers of Warner Bates McGinnis & Anthony understand the legitimation process and how important it can be. Our attorneys believe in the importance of fatherhood and support the role both parents play in their children's lives. We provide efficient and strategic assistance through what is often an emotional time to help mothers and fathers interested in establishing their legal rights.
For additional information, or to set up a consultation, contact our office at (770) 766-8148. Our Atlanta paternity lawyers can tell you more about your rights and options.
What is Paternity?
Paternity refers to the legal acknowledgment of a man as the father of a child. Establishing paternity can have important legal, social, and emotional implications for the child, the father, and the family as a whole.
When paternity is established, it can lead to legal responsibilities for the father, such as child support obligations, as well as rights, such as custody and visitation rights. Paternity can be established through various means, including voluntary acknowledgment by the father, genetic testing, or court orders.
Georgia Paternity and Legitimation
When a child has been born outside of marriage, our firm can assist the mother in having the paternity of her child legally established and securing an award of child support from the father. At the same time, through a legitimation action, we can help the father establish his legal relationship to the child, and securing custody and parenting time with the child.
Every attorney on our experienced legal team serves parents who want to establish their rights to:
We can take action on your behalf in pursuing paternity and legitimation actions. To learn more about how we can help you secure your legal rights to a relationship with your child and receive the appropriate financial support, please contact the firm today. We look forward to answering your questions and providing the answers and support you deserve.
Does Signing a Birth Certificate Establish Paternity in Georgia?
While a birth certificate is an important identifying legal document, simply signing a birth certificate does not establish paternity in Georgia. Rather, paternity in Georgia can be established in one of the following ways:
The parents are married at the time of the child’s birth
If the parents are not married, then they can sign a Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment Form. This can happen at one of the following two places:
At the hospital when the child is born
At the State Office of Vital Records in Atlanta or the Vital Records Office in the county where the child was born
A court order establishes the paternity
What Rights Do Fathers Have in Georgia?
A father does not have any automatic rights unless paternity is established and legitimation occurs. Once a father establishes paternity and can legitimate the child, then he might assume child support responsibilities and seek custody and visitation rights. If you have any questions about this process, do not hesitate to contact our firm for help.
Understanding the Importance of Paternity & Legitimation
Establishing paternity and going through the process of legitimation are crucial for fathers in Georgia. Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child, while legitimation grants legal rights and responsibilities to fathers.
Here are some key reasons why paternity and legitimation are important:
Legal rights and responsibilities: By establishing paternity and going through legitimation, fathers gain legal rights to make decisions about their child's education, healthcare, and other important aspects of their life. They also become responsible for providing financial support to their child.
Emotional bond: Paternity and legitimation allow fathers to develop a strong emotional bond with their child. It provides a sense of identity and belonging for both the father and the child.
Access to benefits: Legally recognized fathers have access to various benefits, such as the ability to include the child in health insurance coverage, inheritance rights, and eligibility for government benefits.
Child's well-being: Establishing paternity and going through legitimation ensures that the child has a legally recognized father who can be involved in their life and provide support. This can have a positive impact on the child's overall well-being and development.
If you have any questions or concerns about paternity and legitimation in Georgia, our experienced team at Warner Bates McGinnis & Anthony is here to help. Contact us today for personalized guidance and legal advice.
Contact Our Paternity Attorney in Atlanta Today
An Atlanta paternity attorney from our team can answer your questions and provide you with helpful support and counsel as you seek your child's best interests and assertion of your rights as a parent. Our family lawyers are looking forward to working with you!
