Augusta, GA Paternity Lawyer

The legal landscape for child custody and paternity rights has evolved significantly, moving away from the gender-biased rulings of the past. Georgia law now recognizes and supports the equal rights of fathers in child custody and visitation matters. If you are a father seeking to establish or defend your rights to be involved in your child’s life, our experienced paternity lawyer in Augusta, GA, can help. At Boudreaux Law Firm, we are dedicated to advocating for fathers and ensuring that your paternal rights are protected.

Defending Fathers’ Rights in Paternity Cases

At Boudreaux Law Firm, we bring years of experience in family law and a commitment to advocating for fathers in child custody disputes. We represent various paternity-related matters, including:

• Primary Custody Requests: Fathers seeking to become the primary custodian of their child.
• Visitation Rights: Ensuring fathers have a fair visitation schedule to remain active in their child’s life.
• Legal Custody: Pursuing the right to share in making important decisions regarding your child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious practices.

Our Augusta paternity lawyer combines a compassionate understanding of your situation with a determined legal strategy to help you achieve the most favorable outcome, whether in mediation or court.

Establishing Paternal Rights Through Legitimation

In Georgia, establishing paternity is referred to as “legitimation.” Legitimation legally establishes a father’s rights, including custody, visitation, and child support obligations. For fathers who are not married to the child’s mother, legitimation is a necessary step to gain legal recognition as the child’s father and to assert your parental rights.

At Boudreaux Law Firm, we assist fathers in various situations:

• Seeking Legitimation to Gain Custody or Visitation: We help fathers establish their parental status and secure custody or visitation rights.
• Contesting Paternity: If you are asked to pay child support for a child you do not believe is yours, we can guide you through the delegitimation process.

Our legal expertise ensures that fathers receive the guidance needed to navigate the legitimation process and protect their rights.

Why Choose Boudreaux Law Firm for Paternity Cases?

Attorney Todd Boudreaux has over 25 years of experience in family law, representing fathers in paternity and custody matters. A cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law, Todd is well-versed in Georgia’s family law statutes and has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in paternity cases. He is admitted to practice in the State of Georgia, Georgia Court of Appeals, Supreme Court of Georgia, U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

Todd’s dedication to providing high-quality legal services has earned him recognition and memberships in the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Georgia Bar Association, and Augusta Bar Association. At Boudreaux Law Firm, we are committed to helping fathers defend their rights and achieve a favorable outcome in family law matters.

Key Considerations in Paternity Cases

When it comes to paternity cases, several factors are important to establish and defend your parental rights:

• Legitimation Requirements: In Georgia, fathers who are not married to the mother must file for legitimation to establish legal rights to custody and visitation.
• Impact on Custody and Visitation: Once legitimation is established, the father can pursue custody or visitation rights based on the child’s best interests.
• Contesting Paternity and Delegitimation: If you have been incorrectly identified as the father, the legal process for delegitimation can help clear up misunderstandings and avoid unfair child support obligations.
• Child Support Considerations: Legitimation can also impact child support obligations, as it legally recognizes the father’s responsibility for the child’s financial well-being.

FAQs About Paternity Legitimation

What is legitimation, and why is it important?

Legitimation is the legal process in Georgia that establishes a father’s rights to custody, visitation, and child support for a child born out of wedlock. Without legitimation, the father has no legal rights to the child, even if his name is on the birth certificate.

Can I get custody of my child if I am not married to the mother?

Yes, but you must first file for legitimation to establish your parental rights. Once legitimation is granted, you can pursue custody or visitation rights, which will be determined based on the best interests of the child.

How can I contest paternity if I do not believe I am the child’s father?

If you believe you have been wrongly identified as the child’s father, you can contest paternity through the legal process of delegitimation. A paternity test may be required to prove that you are not the biological father.

What factors does the court consider when determining custody for fathers?

The court considers several factors when determining custody, including the child’s relationship with each parent, the ability of each parent to provide a stable home, and the overall best interests of the child.

Can a mother prevent a father from seeing his child if legitimation has not been established?

Yes, if legitimation has not been established, the father has no legal right to custody or visitation. It is important to file for legitimation as soon as possible to secure your rights.

Contact Our Paternity Lawyer in Augusta, GA

If you are a father seeking to establish or defend your parental rights, contact Boudreaux Law Firm today. Schedule a free consultation with our experienced paternity lawyer in Augusta, GA, to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of family law and protect your rights.