In Georgia, fathers that are not married to the mother of their child when the child is born must legitimate the child to have any parental rights, unless the parties subsequently marry. Often when children are born, the parents still have a cooperative relationship that may later weaken or become hostile over sometime. Therefore, it is important that parents should give great consideration to administrative legitimation when the child is born.
If the parents do not subsequently marry, administrative legitimation is the only way to legitimate a child without court action. It must be completed before the child reaches the age of one (1) and is available at the hospital when the child is born. If you and the other parent are sure of the paternal relationship enough to sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity and the father is parentally fit then consider Administrative Legitimation as well. It could save both parties time any money.
Lunn Law LLC and Attorney Tiffany R. Lunn, Esq want you to be aware of your legitimation rights and all possible choices you may have in proceeding with legitimation, child custody and/or visitation. You should speak to an experienced attorney about the particular of your case. Parents should make sure they fully know and understand what is being signed about the rights to their children. If there are any questions, you should consult the advice of an experienced paternity and legitimation attorney.
