Generally, the father of a child is held responsible for paying child support, but he may or may not receive custody or visitation privileges, depending on the circumstances. Paternity establishes that a father is the biological father, and obligates him to pay child support. Paternity, however, gives the father no rights to see his child. Most fathers may petition the courts for custody and visitation rights, in a process called legitimation. Edwards & Associates represents men and women in paternity matters. We can evaluate your situation, explain the law and discuss how we could represent you.
Paternity Testing Information for Men
If you were never married to the mother of your children, Georgia law assigns all rights to custody and visitation to the mother. She is free to deny visitation until you file for legitimation and get a court order. She may deny visitation even if you are providing child support, so it is imperative to file your case to establish your rights to your child. The sooner you file your paternity case, the better chance you will have at obtaining custody or parenting time. The paternity testing process is simple and takes only a few minutes. After the results of the test are presented to the court, it will establish you as the legal father of the child. Custody and visitation may be decided in that hearing, or the court may do so at a later time. Edwards & Associates can explain your rights and legal options.
Paternity Testing Information for Women
Under Georgia law, the mother has rights to custody and visitation, unless a court decides otherwise. Until the paternity of your child is determined, you will not be entitled to collect child support. Once this is done, a child support order can be entered. The child support must be paid via direct debit from the father’s employment unless you agree otherwise. If the father of your children has filed a paternity action, you should call Edwards & Associates immediately. The law allows a paternity action and a custody action to be decided in one case. Caught off guard, you could find yourself involved in a custody battle and be faced with the possible loss of custody of your child. Edwards & Associates will do everything possible to protect you and your rights.
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We serve clients across the Greater Atlanta, Georgia, area through offices in Gwinnett, Cobb, Fulton and Forsyth counties. We also practice in Dekalb , Clayton and Rockdale counties.
Edwards & Associates has implemented customer-friendly pricing for our legal services. The basic feature of our flat fee value billing is that we work closely with our clients to arrive at a customized price for our services prior to commencement of representation. Knowing the cost up front relieves some of the stress and enables clients to budget accordingly.
