What does it mean to establish paternity?
In Georgia, an action for paternity is the process by which a parent proves that a father is the biological parent of that child. An action for paternity often comes with an action for child support wherein the court can order that parent, once paternity is established, to provide for the support, care, and… Read More »
Can I terminate my ex-spouse’s visitation if he or she doesn’t pay child support?
No. In Georgia, parenting time and child support are two separate and distinct rights and obligations. In the event a parent is not paying child support, the proper remedy is to seek a contempt of that through court, but not to cut off visitation as that can subject you to the contempt powers of… Read More »
Can I get visitation or custody, even though I was not married to the mother, and I am not on the birth certificate?
In Georgia, a parent can get visitation and custody of a child even when not married to the mother and not on the birth certificate through a process called legitimation. Legitimation establishes the legal relationship between the parent and the child. And as part of that proceeding, the court can go on to award… Read More »
Can I get some support for my child even though I am not married to the father of my child?
Yes. In Georgia, a parent can seek child support from another parent, even if they’re not married. That action is a process called paternity and child support. Once the court establishes that that parent is in fact the biological parent of the child and a duty of support exists, it can then go on… Read More »
At what age can a child decide which parent to live with?
In Georgia, at the age of 14, the court will recognize and generally honor a child’s election as to which parent that child wants to reside with absent a showing that that decision is not in the best interest of the child. The court will consider input from children ages 11 to 14 however… Read More »