Atlanta Legitimation Lawyer
What is legitimation?
In our state, legitimation refers to the process whereby an unwed father officially becomes the legal father of his child that has been born out of wedlock. In essence, an unwed father is not actually considered the child's parent until he has filed for legitimation, even in cases where the father's name is present on the birth certificate and the child possesses the father's last name. The process of legitimation is especially applicable in divorce cases. A father who has enjoyed a favorable
custody arrangement may one day find that the mother of the child will no longer allow them to see the child without a court order. In order to have custody, or even visit the child, the father must then legitimate, even if he has been paying
child support the entire time. Fortunately, in most cases in the Atlanta area, the court will grant legitimation and establish
visitation as part of the process.
In the event that you require assistance in your legitimation case, it is recommended that you retain the services of an Atlanta divorce lawyer at Gordon & Gordon, LLC. Our compassionate team of attorneys is available to provide you with the guidance you need to increase the likelihood of a swift resolution to your case. Our goal is to secure an outcome in which you and your child enjoy a custody arrangement that is favorable to both of you.
Legal Assistance in Legitimation Matters
A common question of fathers is whether or not a mother can contest the legitimation process. A mother can do so, but she must prove that the father is unfit to parent, or that he is not actually the biological father in order to be successful. An attorney can skillfully argue a father's legitimation case on their behalf, and possibly convince the court to order a custody arrangement in which the father is able to be a substantial part of the child's life.
If you are in need of legal assistance in regards to a matter of legitimation, contact an Atlanta legitimation attorney right away.