Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia
In Georgia, if I did not claim my child at birth because we could not afford the medical bills, can I claim her now and have her name changed to mine, without the state wanting back payments for assistance received? I have worked and cared for her and my fiance for 3 years at this time.
2 Answers from Attorneys
With the mother's consent (and in some cases against her consent) you may be able to change the name. I don't know what you mean by "claim" her but you can legitimize a child in the courts. Regardless of what you do, any lioability you have to the state as to support remains.
When a father is unmarried at the time of the birth of the child he has to legimitate the child. This is a simple procedure. However, you may want to wait until you marry the mother (assuming you intend to do so).