There are two options available to you for filing a legitimation case: (1) you can hire an attorney who will prepare your paperwork and represent you in court, or (2) you can use self-help forms such as the forms included in this packet and represent yourself in court.
It is advisable to speak with an attorney before filing any action with the court. There are often more issues involved in a legitimation than you might realize if you fail to get legal advice.
How long does legitimation take in GA? The duration can vary based on the complexity of the case and the court's schedule. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
A: Essentially, how to get a child legitimized in GA is as simple as filing a legitimation action as the child's father in Superior Court. This involves submitting a petition requesting the court to establish a legal relationship between the father and the child.
If the parents are not married to each other and the father has not legitimized the child as his, the mother gets child custody by default. She has sole authority on where she wants the child to be, while the dad does not have legal parental rights.
In Georgia, both the mother and father who are married have equal rights as parents. However, it is important to note that if the parents are unmarried, only the biological mother has legal and physical custody rights to the child.
The simple answer is yes. O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3(a)(1). In fact, it is well settled in Georgia case law that when it comes to child custody determinations in Georgia, both mothers and fathers have equal status under the law.
In Georgia, basic parental rights include: Making decisions pertaining to critical matters including schooling, religion, and medical care. Obtaining legal documents pertaining to the child (i.e. school records, medical records, etc.
The Georgia Code requires each parent to provide for the maintenance, protection, and education of his or her child. The parent must provide until the child reaches the age of majority or age 20, if the child is enrolled full-time in a secondary school.