Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

Fathers rights

I am 16, my girlfriend 17. We have a son 3 months old. My girlfriend lives with my family and we (my parents and I) have supported her totally since before the baby was born. Her parents have done nothing! We haven't gotten married because I want to finish school and don't feel we are mature enough. But I understand Ga. Law requires me to legitimate the baby to have any rights as his father. (Probably just should have gotten married to prevent all of this hassle.) I am in the process of legitimizing now. The problem is that my girlfriend neglects the baby and me and my parents do all the tending. She only does when no-one is home or she has to. Most of the time she sleeps until 1 or 2 in the day while my mom or day is home and doesn't tend to him and then goes to work at 5 -11:00. And goes to bed again when she gets home. She is very emotionally abusive to me and also hits and throws things at me when she gets mad. She totally disrespects my parents and cusses them. I am really afraid for my child and don't know what I can do to stop this and get custody of him. Is there anything my parents can do?


Asked on 9/13/02, 6:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Pearlie Bush

Re: Fathers rights

You are taking the right steps needed to seek custody. You must first legitimate the child before you have any rights to him. After legitimation has been granted, then you can file a petition for custody. In determining custody in Georgia, the courts will look at the best interest of the child. I suggest you contact a local attorney for further help on this matter because issues involved in custody actions may become complicated.

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Answered on 9/15/02, 8:47 am


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