Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia
Teen Father Rights
My son is 17 and his pregnant girlfriend is 16. They are not getting married right now and she has decided not to give the baby his name or list him on the birthcert. If she does not acknowledge him as the father what are his rights as far as getting a paternity test so he can get joint custody or visitation? Can she get child support? She wants to get married while he is still in school ( she dropped out) and she is trying to push him. He just wants to be assured that he can be a part of the babys life if they don't stay together. She doesn't want the baby to have a different name than her but wouldn't he have to adopt her later if they get married?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Teen Father Rights
Yes your son has the right to be a part of his child�s life. Your son may file a petition for legitimation. This will establish that he is the legitimate father of the child. At the hearing regarding legitimation the court will determine whether or not this is his child and will also set the child support obligation and the name by which the child shall be known. The parties may enter into an agreement regarding legitimation, custody, visitation and other issues. However if she objects, then he must file a separate petition regarding custody and visitation. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Re: Teen Father Rights
Your son has potentially all the rights of the mother, but he must file a petition for legitimation so that the court recognizes that your son is the father. Then the court can grant him his rights with regard to the child, including visitation and child support. If you would like to discuss any issues further, please feel free to contact my office. Thank you.
Glenn M. Lyon, Esq
MacGregor Lyon, LLC
Promenade II
1230 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 1900
Atlanta Georgia 30309
Phone 404.942.3545
Fax 404.795.0993
www.macgregorlyon.com
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