Paternity and Legitimation

Various issues must be considered when a child is born to parents who are not married. In Georgia, prior to the legitimation of a child born out of wedlock, the mother is entitled to sole custody and complete parental power over the child.  In order for a father to obtain custody or visitation with the child, the child must first be legitimized.  In such an action, the court can declare the child legitimate, specify the child’s name, and order the child and father capable of inheriting from each other.
The mother of a child born out of wedlock may obtain child support from the father through a paternity suit.  If it can be shown that the alleged father is the biological father of the child, the court may issue an order designating him as the father of the child, and imposing a child support obligation upon him.  The Schachter Law Firm, LLC frequently represents mothers and fathers in securing and protecting their rights in Paternity and Legitimation cases.