How Much Does Legitimation Cost in GA?

Understanding the process and costs associated with legitimation in Georgia is crucial for parents seeking to establish legal rights to their child.

So, how much does legitimation cost in GA? The answer can vary depending on several factors, but generally, the legal fees for filing a Petition for Legitimation in Georgia can range from $1,500 to $25,000 plus court costs.

If the mother fights you tooth and nail, it cost even more than $25,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Legitimize a Child?

The cost to legitimize a child in Georgia includes the attorney’s fees, court costs, and any fees associated with serving the petition to the other parent.

Court Costs

Most court costs to file the petition range from $200 to $300.

To serve the mother or current custodian of the child, it will cost between $50 to $150 or more, depending on if you need expediated service.

And if you do not know where the parent is, you may spend several hundred dollars or more to hire a private investigator to locate them.

Attorney’s Fees

While attorney’s fees can range widely based on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience, if you’re hiring an attorney on your case, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 or more – if mom fights you every step of the way.

Guardian ad Litem Fees

An additional cost you may have to pay for is that of a guardian ad litem – an attorney who represents the best interest of the child.

Sometimes you will split the costs of the guardian with the child’s mother, but in other cases, you could be required to pay for the entire bill.

Guardians bill by the hour and most of the time their initial retainer starts at $3,500 or so, and total cost could go all the way up to $10,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.

Mediation

Often, domestic cases, such as legitimation that are contested are sent to mediation first before trial, to try and see if the parties can work some or all of the issues out.

If this happens, you are responsible to pay the mediator’s hourly rate, plus the time for your attorney to be there, and the guardian’s time, if they are in the case.

Every Case’s Costs are Different

Keep in mind that these figures are estimates, and actual costs may vary.

Does Signing a Birth Certificate Legitimize a Child?

In Georgia, signing a birth certificate does not automatically legitimize a child.

Legitimation is a legal process that must be initiated by the biological father.

Simply signing the birth certificate grants the father no legal rights to his child, including custody or visitation rights.

Therefore, it’s important to understand that the process of legitimation is more than just a signature on a document.

What Are the Requirements for Legitimation?

The requirements for legitimation in Georgia are specific.

The biological father must file a petition for legitimation in the superior court of the county where the mother resides.

If the mother is not available, the petition can be filed in the county where the child resides.

The father must also prove that legitimation is in the best interest of the child.

Usually, a DNA test will be done to make sure that the father is the child’s biological father.

The judge will decide whether or not to grant the legitimation, and then if the father is legitimated, the court will decide whether or not to give the father visitation rights.

Do You Need a Lawyer for Legitimation?

While it’s possible to handle legitimation without a lawyer, it’s often recommended to seek legal counsel.

The process can be complex and navigating the legal system can be challenging without professional guidance.

A lawyer can ensure that all paperwork is correctly filed, deadlines are met, and your rights are protected throughout the process.

Remember: you only get one shot at this. If the judge denies your legitimation, it is very difficult and very expensive to appeal that decision.

Better to invest the money in bringing your case right the first time, than having to spend even more trying to overturn a judge’s denial later on.

How Long Does Legitimation Take in GA?

The timeline for legitimation in Georgia can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

If both parents agree to the legitimation and there are no complications, the process could be completed within a few weeks.

However, if the case is contested or there are other legal issues to resolve, it could take several months or even years.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the cost and process of legitimation in Georgia is essential for any father considering this legal and necessary step to have lawful rights to his child.

We definitely recommend that you consult with a local father’s rights attorney first, to ensure you’re making the best decisions for your family’s future.