Paternity and Legitimation

Georgia Paternity Attorney

Paternity actions are often necessary when parents were not married, or when there is reason to question who the father of a child is despite the fact that the mother had a legal husband at the time a baby was conceived.

Whether you are a mother seeking child support, or a putative father wishing to refute or determine your standing as biological father, contact Hill/Macdonald, LLC in Marietta, Georgia, for legal advice and assistance.

When a Mother Seeks Paternity Determination and Child Support

We understand the seriousness of what is at stake for a child and a child's parents when paternity may be in question.

A single mother fights not only for herself, but for her child's future, when she seeks to have the biological father of a child born outside of marriage made responsible for support of that child.

When a Father Seeks Legitimation

On the other side of the coin is the father who seeks legitimation by having himself recognized as the legal father, as if he and the mother had been married. Acknowledgement that he is the father through legitimation will open the door to visitation and involvement in his child's life and future. Without legitimation, he might be required to pay support, but unable to be involved in the child's life.

When an Alleged Father Claims that Delegitimation is Appropriate

In some cases, delegitimation is the father's goal. He who was considered the legal father and has been paying child support now has reason to believe he was defrauded and tricked into believing that a child was his -- when in fact another man is the biological father. Under certain circumstances, a previous paternity determination can be set aside.

Timely, Cost-Effective Family Law Services

Marietta, Georgia, family law lawyers Hill/Macdonald, LLC are sensitive to the need to bring about a decisive, timely, and cost-effective resolution to paternity cases. Allow us to guide you swiftly through DNA testing and other procedures that will result in a determination of paternity for your child -- whether you are the father or mother, and whether you are pursuing or contesting a paternity claim.

Contact us to schedule a consultation.