Marietta Fathers’ Rights Lawyers

Last updated on August 3, 2026

Men have the same legal rights as women in Georgia when it comes to child custody and child support matters, but those rights are not always realized or respected. In divorce and paternity cases, fathers may need aggressive advocacy to protect their parental rights.

The fathers’ rights attorneys of Hill Macdonald, LLC, recognize the important role that fathers play in care and custody of children. We work creatively to fashion parenting plans that allow parents to nurture and raise their children together, though not as husband and wife. We will go to court when a former spouse or partner will not work cooperatively or tries to shut our client out of his rightful role.

Threats of taking away a child are inappropriate and uncalled for. We are here to help protect your rights as a parent and represent you in all family legal matters.

Marietta Lawyers For Child Custody And Paternity Disputes

Although the law recognizes no difference between fathers and mothers in custody decisions, the reality is that some courts tend to favor mothers in matters of family law. This is especially true when children are younger or the parents never married; fathers must prove that they belong in the picture.

Our attorneys will vigorously assert your rights relating to:

• Custody determination in divorce
• Paternity actions and child support
• Establishing legitimation and parental rights
• Enforcement of visitation rights and parenting plans

Advocating For Every Parent’s Rights, Regardless Of Gender

We advise men to be involved in their children’s lives as much as they can. Whether you are a stay-at-home or working dad, be there for your child, have quality time together, document it and stay as involved as your co-parent.

We believe that every case deserves a fair application of the law to the specific facts in that case. Hill Macdonald, LLC, will advocate fiercely for fathers who find themselves in child support disputes and custody battles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fathers’ Rights In Georgia 

Unmarried fathers often have questions about custody, visitation and legitimation. The answers below explain how Georgia law applies and what steps fathers in Cobb County may need to take.

Does paying child support or being listed on a birth certificate give an unmarried father custody rights in Georgia?

No. Paying child support or having your name on a child’s birth certificate does not automatically give you custody or visitation rights. These steps may confirm paternity and create a duty to provide financial support, but paternity and legitimation are different under Georgia law.

An unmarried father generally must complete the formal legitimation process before he can seek enforceable custody or parenting time. This usually requires filing a petition in Superior Court. Once the court grants legitimation, the father may ask for legal custody, physical custody and a parenting schedule. We help fathers in Cobb County take these steps and protect their role in their children’s lives.

How do Cobb County courts determine child custody and parenting time for fathers?

Cobb County courts decide child custody and parenting time based on the child’s best interests. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, a judge may consider each parent’s bond with the child, the stability of each home and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs.

The court may also review how well each parent supports the child’s relationship with the other parent. Georgia law does not give mothers an automatic advantage over fathers. A father can strengthen his case by staying involved, following court orders and showing that he can provide a safe, stable and supportive home.

Can a father petition for legitimation and custody at the same time in Marietta, Georgia?

Yes. An unmarried father may ask for legitimation, custody and parenting time in the same petition filed in Cobb County Superior Court. Combining these requests may reduce delays, avoid separate court cases and lower legal costs.

However, legitimation does not automatically guarantee custody or a certain parenting schedule. The judge must still decide what arrangement serves the child’s best interests. A strong petition should explain the father’s relationship with the child, his role in the child’s life and the parenting arrangement he is seeking. At Hill Macdonald, we help fathers prepare clear, well-supported petitions that address each of these issues.

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