Experienced Decatur Lawyers for Paternity Issues
Issues of paternity and legitimation can be more complex than many people realize. At Smith, Schroeder & O’Connell, in the Atlanta area, we often explain to our clients that the issues involved — like child support, child custody and visitation — can be almost as intense as a divorce.
That is why it is critical to work with an attorney who has in-depth knowledge of the law on paternity and legitimation, to make sure that you achieve the best possible results.
Georgia law has two ways of recognizing a relationship between a father and a child — paternity and legitimation:
- Paternity: Paternity is a legal action brought by a mother, naming the legal father of her child. It is sometimes the first step toward obtaining a child support order.
- Legitimation: In Georgia, legitimation is a legal step a father must take before he may pursue child custody and visitation. An order for legitimation creates a legal relationship between father and child.
A determination of the legal father of a child can make a difference in the lives of a family — both parents and children. For this reason, the attorneys at Smith, Schroeder & O’Connell take it very seriously. We represent both mothers and fathers in paternity and legitimation proceedings, focusing on achieving your goals through effective advocacy.
Contact the Lawyers at Smith, Schroeder & O’Connell
Client access to skilled attorneys has always been — and continues to be — of primary importance to our Decatur, Georgia, law firm. To talk with us about your legal concerns, contact us by e-mail or by phone at 404.418.8353 or toll free at 888.524.3986.
