Paternity Lawyers in Metro-Atlanta, Alpharetta and Surrounding Counties Assisting Clients with Paternity Cases

When a child is born to unmarried parents, the law does not automatically assume that the father is the child’s legal parent. In order for the father to have legal rights to the child, he must first establish paternity. Paternity can be established in one of two ways: through a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or through genetic testing ordered by a court. Once paternity has been established, the father will have the same legal rights and responsibilities as any other legal parent, including the right to seek custody or visitation with the child.

If you are a mother who needs help establishing paternity or enforcing your parental rights, it is important to speak with an experienced Alpharetta and Metro-Atlanta Area paternity lawyer who can help protect your interests. At Hecht Family Law, we have helped many clients throughout Georgia assert their rights and get the outcome they deserve.

How is Paternity Determined in Georgia?

As mentioned before, paternity is the legal term used to identify the father of a child. In Georgia, paternity is typically determined one of two ways: either through an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or through genetic testing, which can be ordered by a judge.

An Acknowledgment of Paternity is a legal document that can be completed by the child’s mother and father. Once signed, it gives the father all the legal rights and responsibilities of paternity, including the right to request custody or visitation, as well as the responsibility to provide child support.

In some cases, an AOP may not be possible or desired. In these situations, a judge may order genetic testing in order to determine paternity. Genetic testing can be ordered at any time before the child turns 18 and can be requested by either the child’s mother, father, or state agency.

If you have questions about paternity or would like to establish paternity for your child, please contact an experienced Georgia paternity attorney.

Why is Determining Paternity Important?

Paternity is important for a number of reasons. For one, it establishes the legal father of a child. This is important for things like child support and custody arrangements. Additionally, knowing one’s paternity can help answer questions about medical history and genetic disorders. Finally, determining paternity can provide an emotional connection between a father and child.

Paternity legitimation can be important for a child born outside of wedlock. In many states, if a child is born to unmarried parents, the mother has sole legal and physical custody of the child. The father has no legal rights or responsibilities to the child unless he establishes paternity.

How Can a Alpharetta & Metro Atlanta Paternity Lawyer Help Me?

When there’s a question as to who is a child’s biological father, the child’s mother can challenge paternity. In this case, and in many others, you will need the help of a paternity lawyer to establish your parental rights.
There are many ways in which a paternity lawyer can help you. They can:

• Help you establish paternity through DNA testing
• Draft and file a petition to establish paternity
• Represent you in court if necessary
• Work with the other party to come to an agreement outside of court

If you are facing a paternity challenge, or if you simply want to establish your rights as a parent, contact us today. We can help you through the paternity process with compassion and care.

Is Hiring a Metro-Atlanta Paternity Lawyer Right for Me?

If you are dealing with paternity issues, you may be wondering if hiring a paternity lawyer is the right move for you. One of the first things to consider is the nature of your paternity case. If you are simply trying to establish paternity in order to get child support payments, you can benefit from hiring a family lawyer. Getting experienced help is even more important when your parental rights are being challenged or if you are dealing with a child custody case, or if your visitation rights are in question.

If you need help with a paternity case, contact Hecht Family Law today at (470) 291-5342 to schedule a consultation with our law firm.