Georgia Lawyers / Family Law / Legitimation

Legitimation

With Family Law Offices in Statesboro, Swainsboro and Springfield

If you are a father in Georgia looking to obtain legal rights, you have to legitimize your child. If you were not married to your child’s mother when the child was born, without legitimation you have no rights to the child in Georgia.

Legitimation

With Family Law Offices in Statesboro, Swainsboro and Springfield

If you are a father in Georgia looking to obtain legal rights, you have to legitimize your child. If you were not married to your child’s mother when the child was born, without legitimation you have no rights to the child in Georgia.

Legitimation

With Family Law Offices in Statesboro, Swainsboro and Springfield

If you are a father in Georgia looking to obtain legal rights, you have to legitimize your child. If you were not married to your child’s mother when the child was born, without legitimation you have no rights to the child in Georgia.

The Importance of Legitimation in Georgia

Some of our clients are surprised to find out that, even though their name is on their child’s birth certificate, they still don’t have the visitation or custody rights they desire. That’s because a DNA test is not enough to establish legitimation in Georgia. Even though a paternity test is proof enough for the court to compel child support from you, it does not prove legitimacy.

What is Legitimation?

Legitimation is the process of establishing a legal relationship with your child. If you are married and have a child with your wife, you are automatically recognized as father of the child. However, if you are unmarried and have a child out of wedlock, you will need to legitimize your relationship to earn those same rights.

There are two ways to establish legitimation in Georgia: either by marrying the mother of your child or filing a Petition for Legitimation with the court.

If the mother of your child consents to the Petition for Legitimation, the process should move along smoothly. However, if the matter is contested, the legitimation will take more time. The mother can contest the legitimation by alleging that you are not the biological father, or that you have lost your “opportunity interest.” If either of these issues arise, having a family lawyer on your side will help.

Additionally, particularly if the mother does not consent, the court may consider other factors, including:

  • What is in the best interest of the child
  • Your relationship with the child
  • Your fitness as a father

Benefits of Legitimation

The legal establishment of your relationship with your child opens several doors. Once legitimized, you will be able to leave your child assets to inherit, request parenting time and custody rights, and add your name to the birth certificate (if it isn’t there already).

If you are wanting to pursue legitimation in southeast Georgia, schedule a consultation with the experienced family lawyers here at Hall & Navarro. We have successfully legitimated many of our clients. Contact us today to get started.

Legal Services Family Law | Bankruptcy Law | Hall & Narvarro | Statesboro, GA | Effingham, GA

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“You helped me restore my faith in so much that looked bleak and decrepit. Along this bumpy road, my lovely daughter is safe, and home, and starting to find peace again…Thank you. All the pieces unfolded and fell into place through a progression only the Lord could have planned. But the people who fulfilled his plan did it through greatness and kindness and strength. In my opinion you and Martha have done Gods work and the Judge came through! I am indebted to you both. Please understand, I can be a force and support as well. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. I still have a long way to go…so I hope that statement is true. My commitment to be there for you is equally strong. It will be a tough journey. I Pray. You guys are amazing. Thank you for everything.”

BONNIE GRINGER

“We were referred to Mike Hall by a friend who told us that if they had used him in the beginning, they would have had a lot better result. Using Mike ourselves, we have had the same experience. Mike is very personable and gave us some very wise council. We could tell he was trying to help us. We have used him for several issues that have come up, and he has always handled them in a professional and timely manner. He is quick to answer emails or phone calls, and takes his time answering all of your questions. We are very pleased with his services and would highly recommend him to anyone who has a legal problem.”

LYNN & PAM KELLEY

“After a two and a half year battle, my son and I got the justice we longed for. The only quality that I didn’t like about Paige was that she was patient. Which, is a very good quality to have. However, hindsight being 20/20, I’m glad she was so patient. Paige and Ashley (her paralegal) were always in communication with me, and responded in a timely and appropriate manner. When opposing counsel started her antics and attempted to berate and take Paige’s eye off the prize, she didn’t allow it. I sincerely appreciate all they did for me and my son. I know my circumstances were extreme, but Paige looked out for the two of us. I highly recommend the law group, and will always be indebted to them.”

DUSTIN SHAW

“This review is in regards to how attorney Martha Hall handled my cases. Before Martha Hall, I was taken advantage of in family court in Jefferson County and Effingham County with sub par attorneys that resulted in rulings that were unfair to me and created headaches and financial difficulties. I experienced three attorneys before Martha Hall. I never felt that I had equal representation in the courthouse, until I discovered Martha Hall. Since I have hired Martha Hall, I have had equal or better representation and my cases have closed with fair rulings. This is solely a result of having Martha Hall as my attorney. I will not change thus moving forward if I need any legal services. She is worth every penny.”

KEN GIBSON

“I just have to say the professionalism and conduct of the Hall and Hall attorneys was fantastic from the time we walked in the door. We met Sarah then Mrs. Martha Hall. They were all very attentive and compassionate. Kara, our paralegal, was always there for us. She was always there via email or phone contact. We had a very sensitive legal case and Mrs. Martha Hall walked us through it with compassion and professionalism. I cannot say enough good things about this group or thank them enough for doing what needed to be done.”

MYA AND DEAN CAPE

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“Martha Hall represented me in my divorce and exceeded all my expectations. She was fearless, compassionate, and perseverant to the end. Thank you, Martha and Vonnie, for everything!”

STACEY R.

“We were referred to Mike Hall by a friend who told us that if they had used him in the beginning, they would have had a lot better result. Using Mike ourselves, we have had the same experience. Mike is very personable and gave us some very wise council.”

LYNN & PAM K.

“Ms. Navarro handle the legitimatization of my grandson for my son. Her expertise and persistent work made this holiday the very best for our family. After 8 months without our baby she has united us forever. I will forever be grateful for the hard work she put into my son’s case.”

SHARON W.

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CYNTHIA L.

 

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AMELIA J.