Free Legitimation Assistance!
Legitimation is the legal process for a non-married dad, in the State of Georgia to become the legal father of his child. If the parties have never been married, Georgia law presumes that there is not a legal father of the child.
If You Are Not Legitimized?
If your child is not legitimized, then you have no right to any input in any legal decisions for the child… and that’s for the child’s entire life.
Legitimation
Understanding the Pathway to Legal Rights for Non-married Fathers in Georgia
If there is a legal marriage, there is a legal father and a legal mother, as well as an assumed biological father and a biological mother, to the child.
If the parties have never gotten married, Georgia law presumes that there is not a legal father of the child.
Even if you are the biological father of the child; without being legitimized, you are not the legal father of the child.
Legitimation Process Across Counties
In the State of Georgia, the procedure/process is different from county to county. The petition/forms/process are fairly similar.
How Do I Become Legitimized?
- You must file the legitimation action in the Superior Court of the county of which your child resides.
- Most judges now will require DNA testing. If the judge does not require DNA testing, you may want to consider asking for that.
- The filing fee is somewhere around $250, which varies by county. You can request a hardship waiver if qualified.
Benefits of Legitimation
Establishing Paternity
You are able to establish paternity with your child
Request Custody
Ability to request custody and/or parenting time
Make Legal Decisions
Having authority to make legal decisions for your child
Access to Inheritance
Both father and child having access to inheritance
Automatic Custody
Automatic custody in the event of loss of life of the other parent
Child Support
Ability to file for child support in the event of having full custody
Disclaimer:
Let’s get a few things straight!
- This information presentation is not designed to debate the moral or ethical character of the courts, the child support system, government or mothers.
- We are not here to debate the validity of your parenting status, pending legitimation action, any other government action or child support case.
- This information was obtained in relationship with FI’s partnership with family attorneys and agency resources.
- This is not (a) legal advice.
