Kennesaw Paternity Lawyer

Kennesaw Paternity Attorney

Establishing paternity is a crucial first step for fathers seeking legal custody or parenting time rights. For mothers, it can help ensure that both parents share the financial and caregiving responsibilities of raising a child. A Kennesaw paternity lawyer can assist with every step of the process.

Whether initiated by the mother or father, paternity proceedings involve legal procedures that can be difficult to manage without guidance. Call 770-691-2681 or contact Young Law Firm, LLC, online today to schedule a confidential consultation so we can discuss your options.

A Family Law Firm Dedicated to Protecting Your Parental Rights

Young Law Firm, LLC, provides comprehensive family law services to parents in Kennesaw. We’ve handled complex cases and high-conflict divorces for over four decades, so we understand how to guide clients through the local court system with confidence and care.

Setting our law firm apart is our esteemed founding attorney, who holds the distinction of being selected as one of the “10 Best” criminal law attorneys in the state.

She applies the same strategic mindset and attention to detail in family law cases, offering clients a disciplined and results-oriented approach. When you work with Young Law Firm, LLC, you gain a dedicated legal advocate who is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the ideal possible outcome for your case.

Understanding Paternity in Kennesaw

Establishing paternity can connect a child with important additional resources and new extended family members. Single-parent households are largely headed by mothers who may struggle to provide their children with basic necessities. As of 2022, about 39% of children in Georgia lived in single-parent households, which is well above the national average of 34%.

To support these families, Georgia has prioritized paternity establishment through the family courts and other means. During the Federal Fiscal Year 2022, the state reported a Paternity Establishment Percentage PEP of 92.66%, meaning that paternity was confirmed for the vast majority of children born to unmarried parents.

Locally, Kennesaw is home to roughly 7,293 children under age 18, making up about 21.69% of the city’s population. With so many young residents, fatherhood plays a vital role in the Kennesaw community.

How the Paternity Process Works

Georgia provides multiple ways for fathers to formally establish paternity. This step is essential for setting up custody, parenting time, and support orders. When a child is born from a marriage, the husband is presumed to be the father. Unmarried parents can establish paternity by signing a Paternity Acknowledgement (PA) form, something typically done at the hospital. This form must be signed by both parents.

If there is a dispute over paternity or uncertainty about who the father is, either parent may request DNA testing through the court. Once the father’s identity is confirmed, a court order may establish paternity. This step does not automatically grant the father parenting time rights. That requires additional steps through the Cobb County Superior Court at 70 Haynes Street in nearby Marietta.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial for Parents in Kennesaw

The strength and experience of your legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your paternity case. If you have questions about your rights as a father or the path to establishing custody, a Kennesaw family law attorney can guide you through Georgia’s legal process. Your lawyer plays a critical role in protecting your parental rights and helping you pursue a meaningful relationship with your child.

A paternity lawyer can engage with the child’s other parent or their legal counsel to negotiate an agreement that reflects your role and responsibilities. If court intervention is needed, your attorney can present evidence and legal arguments that demonstrate your commitment and involvement. This ensures the court understands why legally recognizing you as the father serves the child’s best interests.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Establish Paternity in Georgia?

A: The cost of establishing paternity in Georgia depends on how the case is handled. If both parents agree, signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form is usually free. If the case requires court involvement and genetic testing, additional expenses may apply. To understand the process and what to expect financially, speak with a knowledgeable Kennesaw paternity lawyer.

Q: Can a Mother Stop a Father From Establishing Paternity?

A: A mother cannot permanently prevent a father from establishing paternity in Georgia. If the father petitions the court, DNA testing can be ordered to determine biological parentage. The mother may object, but her objection won’t override the court’s authority to determine paternity. Establishing legal rights allows the father to seek parenting time and participate in major decisions affecting the child’s life.

Q: Can I Take Legal Action Against My Ex for Lying About Paternity?

A: If your ex knowingly misrepresented paternity and it led to financial or legal consequences, you may be able to pursue legal action. Georgia courts take intentional misrepresentation seriously, especially if it affects child support or parental rights. A Kennesaw paternity lawyer can help evaluate the situation and determine the next steps based on available evidence and your legal standing.

Q: How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, there is no strict deadline for a biological father to establish paternity, but acting early is critical. Delays can affect custody, parenting time, and legal rights. If paternity is not established while the child is a minor, the process becomes more complicated. To protect your rights and stay involved in your child’s life, start the process as soon as possible.

Talk to an Experienced Paternity Family Law Attorney Today

Establishing paternity is an important first step for fathers seeking meaningful time with their children. Paternity can also help mothers establish support payments to help with the cost of child-rearing. As you begin this process, it is crucial to have legal representation that understands the law and your goals so that you achieve a favorable outcome in court.

Young Law Firm, LLC, delivers client-focused, results-driven representation in complex divorce matters involving significant assets. With over 40 years of legal experience, Diana Whipkey Young provides the guidance clients need when facing the uncertainty of divorce and asset division. Call 770-691-2681 or contact us online to schedule your 30-minute consultation.