Marietta Paternity Lawyer
Establishing paternity protects a child's rights — and a parent's. Whether you're confirming or contesting paternity, we'll guide you clearly.
What paternity establishes
Paternity is the legal recognition of a child's biological father. It creates the child-support obligation and can entitle the child to benefits and inheritance — but on its own it does not give a father custody or visitation. For those rights, an unmarried father also needs legitimation.
How paternity is established in Georgia
Three ways: the parents are married at the child's birth (automatic); both parents sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity at the hospital or Vital Records; or a court orders it. In a child-support case where paternity hasn't been established, genetic testing is mandatory.
Changing or contesting paternity
A signed acknowledgment can be rescinded within 60 days; after that, undoing it requires a court order based on fraud, duress, or material mistake (O.C.G.A. § 19-7-46.1). If you didn't sign and paternity is disputed, you can request DNA testing to contest it.
Paternity and legitimation together
Because paternity alone doesn't grant parental rights, we usually pursue paternity and legitimation together — so you take on the obligations and secure the custody and visitation rights at the same time.
Questions & answers
Paternity: common questions
How is paternity established in Georgia?
Through marriage at the child's birth, a signed Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, or a court order. In child-support cases where paternity isn't established, genetic testing is required.
Does establishing paternity give a father custody in Georgia?
No. Paternity creates support obligations and benefits, but a father needs legitimation to gain custody and visitation rights.
Can paternity be undone in Georgia?
A signed acknowledgment can be rescinded within 60 days; after that, it takes a court order based on fraud, duress, or material mistake (O.C.G.A. § 19-7-46.1).
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