Georgia Father’s Rights Lawyer

Despite what some may believe, mothers and fathers have equal parenting rights in Georgia. While many years ago the courts presumed the mothers to be the more competent caretakers, this is no longer the case. The courts have since recognized that fathers play an equally important role when it comes to their child’s development and well-being.

If you are a father who is involved in or anticipating custody litigation, you should contact a father’s rights lawyer in Alpharetta. A skilled attorney who has spent years protecting the rights and interests of fathers can be an important advocate.

Establishing a Father’s Paternity

Although mothers and fathers have equal parenting rights, unlike mothers, fathers are in a unique position of having to establish their paternity before custody proceedings can begin. There are several ways a father can do this.

First, if a father and mother are married when a child is born, then the husband is presumed to be the father of the child. If a man believes that he fathered a child with a married woman, then he has the burden of proof, as the husband will be the presumed father until evidence to the contrary is provided. This can usually be done with genetic testing.

If a father wants to assert his rights to custody or visitation over a child that was born out of wedlock, he may file a petition for a legitimation proceeding. It is important to understand that simply putting a father’s name on a birth certificate does not establish paternity. A father’s rights attorney in the Alpharetta area can help guide fathers through the legal steps that are required to obtain their rights.

How Do Georgia Courts Decide Who Gets Custody?

Keeping in line with the standard of most other states, a Georgia judge will make a custody decision based on the best interest of the child. Therefore, a judge will try to place a child with the parent is who most suitable for maintaining the child’s well-being, as well as promotive a supportive environment for growth and development.

Once a judge evaluates the facts of the case, they will decide how legal custody, physical custody, and visitation will be divided. Here are some of the factors that a judge may consider:

·         The parents’ mental health

·         The parents’ ability to provide a stable home

·         Evidence of the parents’ abusing drugs or alcohol

·         The child’s relationship with their parents

·         Instances of abuse or domestic violence

·         The child’s preference, if they are of an appropriate age, which is age 14 in Georgia

·         Any other factors that a judge deems relevant

Reach Out to an Alpharetta Father’s Rights Attorney Today

There is nothing more sacred than the bond between a parent and a child. Samuel Thomas Law Attorney's father’s rights lawyer knows how important it is for you to be actively involved in your child’s life. No parent wants to miss out on precious milestones and a lifetime of memories.

Your rights as a parent deserve to be protected by a competent lawyer who knows the importance of family values. If you would like to know more about how an attorney can help you protect your rights as a father, call for a consultation.

I believe it is important to provide prospective clients with knowledge of a full range of legal options and information about Georgia law. An initial consultation allows me to learn about you, your family and the circumstances you are currently facing. It also allows you to learn more about my experience and the manner in which I will represent you.

At the consultation, I answer your questions and give you information about how to proceed. I will spend the amount of time necessary for you to fully understand your rights and options. In order to schedule or learn more about an initial consultation, please feel free to contact us at (706) 546-0999 or fill out the form.