Legitimation

Legitimation is a legal process in which a father establishes a legal relationship with his child. This process is used when a child is born outside of marriage and the father wants to establish his rights and responsibilities as a parent. In Georgia, the legitimation process is a way for a father to establish paternity and gain equal parental rights and responsibilities.

Filing for Legitimation

The first step in the legitimation process is to file a petition for legitimation with the Superior Court in the county where the child resides. The petition should include the names of the parties involved and the name of the child. The father will also need to provide his address and contact information, as well as the address and contact information of the child’s mother.

Establishing Paternity

Once the petition is filed, the court will order that a paternity test be performed. The results of the paternity test will be used to establish whether or not the father is the biological parent of the child. If the test results show that the father is the biological parent, the court will move forward with the legitimation process.

Reaching an Agreement

After the paternity test results are received, the parties will work together to reach a mutually acceptable agreement on all issues related to the legitimation of the child. This can include issues such as child custody, child support, and more.

The agreement must be in writing and must be signed by both parties. The agreement should also be approved by a judge in order to be legally binding.

Finalizing the Legitimation

After the agreement is approved by a judge, the legitimation will be finalized. This means that the father will have established a legal relationship with his child and will have the same rights and responsibilities as a parent as the child’s mother.

Things to Consider

When considering a legitimation, there are several things that you should consider:

1. The cost of the legitimation: Legitimation can be an expensive process, especially if it involves a court case.

2. The length of the legitimation: Legitimation can take several months to complete.

3. The impact on your relationship with your child: Legitimation can be a positive step for a father and his child, but it can also cause conflict in the relationship.

4. The impact on your relationship with the child’s mother: Legitimation can impact the relationship between the father and the child’s mother, and it is important to consider this before beginning the process.

Information to Share with Your Attorney

When you meet with your attorney to discuss your legitimation case, it is important to be prepared to share the following information:

1. A detailed description of your relationship with the child and the child’s mother
2. A list of all assets and debts, including the value of each
3. A list of any businesses or investments that you have
4. A list of all income sources, including your salary and any other sources of income
5. A list of any children that you have and a description of their current living arrangements
6. Any other relevant information that you believe will help your attorney to understand your case.

Conclusion

Legitimation can be a positive step for a father and his child, but it is important to understand the process and be prepared to share the necessary information with your attorney. If you are considering a legitimation, it is important to work closely with your attorney and to be prepared to address any potential conflicts that may arise during the process. With the right preparation and the help of an experienced attorney, the legitimation process can be resolved as smoothly and efficiently as possible.