Protecting the Legal Rights of Fathers in Georgia
Whether you are getting divorced from the mother of your children or you have had a child outside of marriage, you have legal rights as a father under Georgia law. An experienced family law attorney can help you protect and enforce those rights.
At Jackson Steed, we help fathers pursue physical custody, legal custody and visitation rights. We will do everything we can to help you seek a positive outcome. Based in Atlanta, we serve clients in Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Henry, Fayette, Cobb, Cherokee and surrounding counties. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Basing Your Child Custody Case on Facts, Not Gender
Fathers' rights are, first and foremost, parents' rights. As far as Georgia family law is concerned, what matters in a child custody case is not the gender of the parent; it's the connection each parent has with the children and each parent's ability to care for them.
There are many divorce and other family law cases where fathers are awarded physical custody. Common reasons include:
- The father has been the children's primary caretaker
- The father's work schedule gives him more time to take care of the children
- The mother's home doesn't have enough space for the children
- The mother is deemed 'unfit' to parent the child
- The mother's new partner has a history of domestic violence
Even when mothers get primary physical custody, fathers usually get visitation rights. Both parents are also likely to be given joint legal custody — an equal right to participate in decisions such as what doctors, schools and extracurricular activities to send the children to.
Helping Unmarried Fathers Establish Their Paternity
If you were not married to the mother of your children at the time of their birth, that does not mean you have any fewer rights as a father. Once a child's father is confirmed, custody and support follow exactly the same laws no matter whether the parents were ever married.
In order to legally enforce your rights as an unmarried father, it may be necessary to bring a legitimation case. The lawyers at our firm are experienced at guiding our clients through this process. To discuss what we can do to protect your rights, contact us today.
