Paternity and Legitimation
In Georgia, Legitimation is a legal term used when a minor child's father petitions the court in order to determine his legal parental rights to said minor child. Most often an order of Paternity is sought out in an attempt by a mother to obtain child support payments from the biological father of her minor child. Either form (a suit for Legitimation or Paternity) will establish custody and visitation rights of a biological parent with their minor child. Whether you are the respective father or mother, it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible to see what is needed to legitimate your child. A written agreement may be needed to establish paternity, but in the case of a contested paternity situation, a DNA test will likely be necessary.
The law requires the father of a minor child to be responsible when it comes to supporting his biological child. This includes helping to support the child financially. A father also has rights when it comes to his minor child. He has the right to request legal or physical custody and have a say in the decisions made regarding the minor child's future. He also has the right to visit his child if the child's mother are not living together.
Many times a father is untrusting and requires more proof that he is the biological father of said minor child. Establishing paternity can be a simple process when both parents agree upon the father's paternity. In theses cases, a signed legal agreement may be all that is needed. However, in cases where the father is unsure of paternity, DNA testing may be needed in order to establish paternity.
If you or a family member should have any questions about Legitimation or Paternity issues, please feel free to call The Sauls Law Firm. We would be glad to help you or your family get the answers you need.