Parental Rights Attorney

Experienced in Paternal Rights Cases

In some situations, paternity may need to be established. Paternity determines the biological father of a child. There are many situations that call for the need to establish paternity. In some cases, the parents themselves want to be sure of the father. Other times, the State of Georgia needs to know.

Whether you are the one requesting a paternity test or were asked to participate in one, our firm can help. South Atlanta Family Law holds significant experience helping clients with cases involving paternity.

For a initial consultation, contact South Atlanta Family Law.

Reasons for Establishing Paternity

There are numerous reasons these parties would pursue establishing paternity. Whether for financial reasons, to forge new relationships or otherwise, when these parties wish to file for paternity, evidence of paternity must be demonstrated.

Paternity is established for the Court in one of three ways.  First, when the child is born, the Father has the option of voluntarily signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity.  Second, the Father can voluntarily include himself on the child's birth certificate.  Last, the parties can participate in genetic testing to confirm the identity of the biological father, which can be ordered by the Court on its own motion or that of an interested party.

There are numerous parties that may need to file for paternity. These parties include:

• Mothers
• The child
• Prospective fathers
  
• Relatives who act as a guardian and care for the child
• The Department of Human Services on behalf of a child
  

Benefits That Come With Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity comes with certain benefits. The biological father can have his name added to a birth certificate if it is not done so already. A child may be entitled to receive financial support and Social Security benefits from the father.

Paternity can help caretakers receive child support to help with the care of the child. Fathers can use paternity to continue on towards legitimation, the process in which a father may gain custody, parenting time and visitation rights.

One of the most significant benefits is the possibility to forge a new and lasting father-child relationship.

Assistance in Filing a Paternity Action

If you are pregnant and unmarried, or already have a child born out-of-wedlock and wish to file a paternity action to establish child support, South Atlanta Family Law can assist you to ensure that you receive the proper amount of child support, as well as reimbursement of expenses for your child’s benefit.

Likewise, if you are the father of a child born out of wedlock and involved in a paternity action, our law firm will vigorously represent your interest so that you are not obligated to pay a child support amount that is more than what is required under the Georgia Child Support laws. We will also work on the paternity case so that you end up with legal custody and parenting time at the conclusion of the case.