Atlanta Fathers’ Rights Attorney
Navigating the complexities of family law can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding fathers’ rights. Our Atlanta fathers’ rights attorney is committed to providing you with the legal guidance you need to protect your rights as a father in Georgia.
Legal Definition of a Father in Georgia
A legal father is a man who is either biologically related to the child and has established paternity or legally adopted the child. Furthermore, under Georgia law, a man is presumed to be the legal father of a child if he was married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth or nine months before the child’s birth.
Fathers’ rights refer to the legal protections and entitlements that fathers have concerning their children. These rights include but are not limited to, custody, visitation, child support, and decision-making in the child’s life.
Custody and Fathers’ Rights
In legal disputes involving Family Law in Georgia, the courts don’t inherently favor either parent—mothers and fathers are on equal legal ground when it comes to asserting their parental rights. However, it’s essential for the father to be legally recognized as such to exercise any rights in a court setting.
It is possible for a father in Georgia to gain custody of his child, provided he can convincingly demonstrate to the court that such an arrangement would be in the child’s best interests. To make this assessment, the judge will consider various aspects of the child’s life, including their relationship with each parent. Fathers who have been consistently responsible and engaged in their child’s life stand a better chance of receiving a favorable custody ruling.
It’s important to note that Georgia courts generally encourage co-parenting and aim for both parents to participate in their child’s life actively. If the mother is granted primary custody—meaning she has more than 50% of the custody time—the father is usually afforded significant parenting time, commonly referred to as visitation rights.
Can a Mother Deny a Father Access in Georgia?
In Georgia, a mother cannot unilaterally deny a father access to his child if a court order grants the father visitation or custody rights. Violating a court order can result in legal consequences for the mother, including contempt of court charges.
Rights of Unmarried Fathers in Georgia
Unmarried fathers in Georgia have the same legal rights as married fathers, provided they have established paternity. This includes the right to seek custody, visitation, and even child support. However, it’s essential to legally establish paternity to exercise these rights fully.
How Long Does a Father Have to Be Absent to Lose His Rights in Georgia?
In Georgia, a father must be continuously absent from the child’s life for at least one year without justifiable cause to be considered for involuntary termination of parental rights. This absence must be willful and without any reasonable explanation to warrant such a severe legal action.
Can a Mother Move a Child Out of State Without a Father’s Permission in Georgia?
In Georgia, a mother cannot move a child out of state without the father’s permission if the father has legal custody or visitation rights. Doing so could result in legal repercussions, including modification of custody arrangements or even criminal charges.
Contact Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French – Your Committed Atlanta Fathers Rights Attorney
Fathers’ rights are essential, not just for the fathers but for the children involved as well. At Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French, our dedicated Atlanta fathers’ rights attorneys are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected and upheld. With extensive experience in family law, we provide personalized attention and tailored strategies to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today for a consultation.
