fbpx
Loader Hamer
Loader Pad
Loader Effect

Father Rights

  • Home
  • Practice Categories
  • Father Rights
  • 4 January 2023

Legitimation

Practice Area Divorce Child Custody & Visitation Disputes Wrongful Death Car Accidents DUIs and Distracted Driving Father Rights Slip and Fall Business Litigation In An Instant, Your Life Can Change Forever PARTNER QUINTON WASHINGTON SHARES HIS STORY Expert Tips Maximize Your Personal Injury Case Value Get the most value out of your personal injury case. Partner Quinton Washington shares his five insider tips on how to get your case off to the best start. Legitimation cases are often confusing and difficult to understand. Here, we’ll demystify the legitimation process for you and give some advice on how to decide if this is the right course of action for your family law issue. What is Legitimation? Legitimation is the legal process that grants parental rights to the biological father of a child born out of wedlock. It is the only way the father can establish a legal relationship with the child, besides wedding the child’s mother. What Are Some Benefits of Legitimation? There are a few primary benefits to legitimation: The father gains legal rights and responsibilities for the child The child can inherit from the father The father can seek visitation or custody of the child The mother cannot put the child up for adoption without the father’s consent. What Are Some Disadvantages to Legitimation? There are also a few primary disadvantages that arise from legitimating your relationship with your biological child: It takes time before all parental rights and responsibilities can be transferred over, so if the father needs to take immediate action, legitimation may not be the best route The child’s mother does have some say in the process and can refuse to sign any affiliation or acknowledgment documents If the relationship between the father and child is contentious, this could create more tension and conflict. What Factors Impact a Petition to Legitimate  Before a father can gain any physical or legal custodial rights, they must legitimate the child. In Georgia, the courts will consider the following factors before legitimating the child: The child’s best interest. Whether the mother is consenting to the process. If the father is fit to raise a child. Whether legitimation would be beneficial for the relationship between parent and child. How Do I know if Legitimation is the Right Step for Me? The best way to answer this question is to speak with a Legitimation Attorney who specializes in Family Law like those at the Washington, Dreyer & Associates Law Firm. At Washington, Dreyer & Associates, we understand how bewildering legitimation cases can be. If you’re looking for answers about how to handle your legitimation case, we’re here and happy to help. We can discuss the legitimation process with you in-depth during a consultation and help you weigh all of the pros and cons of legitimation. We will give you specific advice on your individual case and discuss the next steps that come after legitimation happens. What Can I Expect from a Consultation?  At the initial consultation, we will spend 60-90 minutes meeting with you and answering any questions or concerns that you may have about legitimation cases in general as well as your specific case. We will also provide you with a written fee agreement so that you know what to expect financially from us. After the consultation, we will always be available via email or telephone for any additional questions that you may have. If you need an experienced legitimation lawyer in Atlanta, call the Washington, Dreyer & Associates Family Law Firm today at 404.996.1794. We will be glad to help you and answer any questions that you may have about legitimation cases in Atlanta, Georgia. EXPERT TIPS What Determines Child Custody? Custody battles can be confusing and scary. Don’t lose time with your kids; they will only be young once. Listen to this video from attorney Quinton Washington to educate yourself on how the process really works. As a former judge, he has the insight to help you gain the upper hand on what judges look for in custody hearings.
Read more
  • 4 January 2023

Paternity

Practice Area Divorce Child Custody & Visitation Disputes Wrongful Death Car Accidents DUIs and Distracted Driving Father Rights Slip and Fall Business Litigation In An Instant, Your Life Can Change Forever PARTNER QUINTON WASHINGTON SHARES HIS STORY Expert Tips Maximize Your Personal Injury Case Value Get the most value out of your personal injury case. Partner Quinton Washington shares his five insider tips on how to get your case off to the best start. Paternity matters are never easy, and it is an emotional time for many families. That being said, there are some fundamental rights that every parent should have when it comes to their children. These include the right of a child to know who both their parents are and the ability of each parent to care for their child in a safe environment where they can thrive physically, emotionally, socially, and educationally. If you’re facing a paternity dispute in Atlanta,  the paternity lawyers at Washington, Dreyer & Associates are ready to fight for you. Ask an Atlanta Paternity Lawyer: What is Paternity? Paternity is when a father legally recognizes their child. This circumstance can happen through marriage or a court order that says the man is the biological parent of a child born outside of his marriage to another woman. Establishing paternity is crucial for a number of reasons, including the benefits to the child of having a legal relationship with both parents, as well as for receiving health care and financial support. In Georgia, there are three basic tenets at the heart of paternity cases, and they are child custody, visitation, and support. The court will make a determination about each of these issues based on the best interests of the child. The Father’s Rights Under Georgia’s paternity and legitimization law, the rights of the unmarried man as the father are clear and recognized by the law. As such, a father can establish paternity—even if he is not named on the birth certificate—as long as he takes some legal action to do so. This process may involve filing a petition with the court or signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity form. If you are a father and need help filing a petition with the courts, our team of experienced Atlanta paternity lawyers can help. The Mother’s Rights  A father’s responsibility to financially support his children only begins when paternity has been established. If you are a mother and the father of the child is denying that he is the father, you have certain rights. That includes the right to bring a paternity action in court and demand that the father be ordered to pay child support. Paternity Fraud  This is a case where a man is tricked into signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity or becomes the legal father of a child when he is not the biological father. If you believe that you may have been a victim of paternity fraud, it is important to contact a paternity lawyer right away. The Atlanta paternity lawyers at Washington, Dreyer & Associates can help you determine your legal options and protect your rights. What Tests are Used to Establish Paternity in Georgia? In Georgia, a DNA test is used to establish paternity, and results are often used for important legal purposes, such as child support, validating claims for Social Security benefits and inheritances. The father doesn’t have to be present and can submit a DNA specimen from anywhere in the world too. If the father is missing or deceased, there are other options available for establishing paternity, such as testing a family member or family reconstruction. Paternity and Child Support The obligation of the father to support his child is legally recognized in Georgia. That means that he must provide financial assistance for their children’s needs, even if he and the mother never lived together or shared any responsibility in raising them. These obligations include paying hospital bills and medical costs, providing clothes, food and shelter, buying school supplies, and supporting extracurricular activities. Contact the Atlanta Paternity Lawyers at the Washington, Dreyer & Associates Law Firm Today If you are barred from visiting your child, or if you are a mother who wants proof of your child’s parentage for legal purposes, then the Washington, Dreyer & Associates family law firm is here for you. Our Atlanta paternity lawyers can help you establish paternity and custody rights for your children. With more than 50 years of combined experience in family law, we will fight for what’s right and are very skilled at what we do. If you would like to learn more, please get in touch with us at 404.996.1794 for an initial consultation. You can also fill out our contact form, and we will be happy to get back in touch with you. EXPERT TIPS What Determines Child Custody? Custody battles can be confusing and scary. Don’t lose time with your kids; they will only be young once. Listen to this video from attorney Quinton Washington to educate yourself on how the process really works. As a former judge, he has the insight to help you gain the upper hand on what judges look for in custody hearings.
Read more
  • 4 January 2023

Child Support

Practice Area Divorce Child Custody & Visitation Disputes Wrongful Death Car Accidents DUIs and Distracted Driving Father Rights Slip and Fall Business Litigation In An Instant, Your Life Can Change Forever PARTNER QUINTON WASHINGTON SHARES HIS STORY Expert Tips Maximize Your Personal Injury Case Value Get the most value out of your personal injury case. Partner Quinton Washington shares his five insider tips on how to get your case off to the best start. Noncustodial parents in Georgia are expected to provide their children with financial support until they reach the age of 18, and the state’s child support law was put into place to ensure that they do. Child support obligations are sometimes seen as unfair or even punitive, but the rules in Georgia have been designed to be as equitable as possible.  The Atlanta child support lawyers at Washington & Dreyer can help you reach a favorable outcome in your child support case. Experienced Family Lawyers Fighting for Your Child Support Case in Atlanta Child support can only be ordered after paternity has been established. Genetic testing is used to clear up any confusion when there is a dispute over paternity, and court orders may be issued to obtain a tissue sample. Paternity must also be established before noncustodial parents can initiate legitimation proceedings to pursue child custody or visitation rights. This is a complex legal area, which is why we recommend that noncustodial parents contending with these issues should consult with an experienced Atlanta child support lawyer at the Washington & Dreyer Law Firm for assistance as soon as possible. Ask an Atlanta Child Support Attorney: How is Child Support Calculated in Georgia? Georgia uses what is known as the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. This means that the incomes of both parents are considered. To determine the appropriate monthly payment, the court follows the following steps: Calculate each parent’s monthly income: This is done by combining income from employment and other sources like Social Security benefits and then subtracting qualifying deductions. Figure out the percentage each parent earns: Once the incomes of each parent have been established, these figures are combined and the contribution each of them makes is calculated. Determine the basic child support obligation: The state provides judges with a Basic Child Support Obligation Table to make this easier. This table tells judges how much money is needed to adequately provide for up to six children based on incomes ranging from $800 to $30,000 per month. Calculate each parent’s share: Judges do this by taking the figure from the Child Support Obligation Table and multiplying it by the percentage of the combined monthly income earned by the noncustodial parent. Our team of experienced Atlanta child support attorneys can help you determine if you’re paying or receiving a fair amount of child support. Making Child Support Payments in Georgia Child support payments in Georgia are usually deducted from the noncustodial parent’s paycheck by the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Child Support Services. This ensures that there is a record of the payment, and that the money reaches the custodial parent. When this is not possible, noncustodial parents can mail their monthly payments to the DCSS or pay online using a debit or credit card. Modifying Child Support Orders in Georgia The amount of child support that noncustodial parents in Georgia are required to pay can be increased or reduced if there is a significant change in circumstances. These changes are usually made when one of the parents involved suffers a financial setback or takes a job with a higher or lower salary, but modification petitions may also be granted when the needs of the child change. Parents are generally only able to request a child support modification every two years, but exceptions are made if there has been an involuntary loss of income, or the visitation arrangements have changed. The Atlanta child support lawyers at Washington & Dreyer can explain these rules more fully and advocate on your behalf during child support modification hearings. Resolving Child Support Disputes in Atlanta Disputes over child support are sometimes contentious, and it is not uncommon for parents to conceal sources of income or take jobs that pay very little just to reduce their monthly obligations. With over five decades of combined experience, the Atlanta child support lawyers at Washington & Dreyer have helped to resolve many such disputes. Our Atlanta child support attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that your children receive the support they need and that everyone involved is treated fairly. Contact the Child Support Lawyers at Washington & Dreyer in Atlanta Today If you would like to learn more about the child support process in Georgia or schedule an initial consultation, you can call our Atlanta child support lawyers at 404.996.1794. Alternatively, you can use our online form to reach out, and we will quickly get back in touch with you.
Read more
  • 4 January 2023

Alimony | Spousal Support

Practice Area Divorce Child Custody & Visitation Disputes Wrongful Death Car Accidents DUIs and Distracted Driving Father Rights Slip and Fall Business Litigation In An Instant, Your Life Can Change Forever PARTNER QUINTON WASHINGTON SHARES HIS STORY Expert Tips Maximize Your Personal Injury Case Value Get the most value out of your personal injury case. Partner Quinton Washington shares his five insider tips on how to get your case off to the best start. Going through a divorce is often financially traumatic, and spouses who relied on their husband or wife’s income while they were married may find themselves unable to cope when that money is no longer available. Spousal support or alimony is awarded to help spouses deal with the economic fallout of divorce and prepare them for the future, but it is not granted automatically in Georgia. Instead, judges look at the facts of the case to decide whether spousal support is warranted. If it is, they can order that it be paid temporarily or permanently. An Atlanta alimony lawyer can help you reach a fair agreement in your alimony case. Atlanta Alimony Lawyers Ask an Atlanta Attorney: What is Alimony? Alimony is a form of spousal support that is ordered by the court to be paid from one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. Atlanta alimony attorneys can help you understand the different types of alimony that may be available in your case and can assist you in negotiating a fair and reasonable alimony agreement with your ex-spouse. Atlanta alimony attorneys can also represent you in court if your ex-spouse fails to make alimony payments as ordered by the court. If you are facing a divorce in Atlanta, or if you have already been divorced and need assistance with an alimony issue, contact an Atlanta alimony attorney today to discuss your case. Temporary Alimony Some divorces are resolved quickly, but others can drag on for a year or longer. Judges award temporary alimony when one spouse requires financial assistance during this time. This kind of spousal support is designed to make sure that divorcing spouses can pay their bills and cover their legal costs, and it ends when the divorce is final. Permanent Alimony While it is called permanent alimony, this kind of spousal support is rarely paid for an unlimited period unless the person receiving it is either elderly or seriously ill. Permanent alimony is awarded to help spouses adjust to life after divorce, and it is often paid while they look for employment or receive job training. There are no strict guidelines in Georgia to help judges determine how much alimony should be paid or how long it should be paid for, so each case is decided on its merits. Judges tasked with making these decisions consider the length of the marriage and the financial resources of each spouse, and they also study the events that led up to the divorce. If the spouse seeking alimony committed adultery or abandoned the marriage, the judge could deny their petition or reduce the amount they receive. Terminating or Modifying Alimony in Atlanta Alimony usually ends when the time limit established by the judge is reached or the spouse receiving it remarries or dies, but spousal awards can also be modified or terminated if there is a significant change in circumstances. Alimony is ordered based on the needs of the receiving spouse and the resources of the paying spouse, and it is subject to modification if those needs or resources change. This could happen if either spouse becomes unemployed or takes a job with a significantly higher or lower salary. Alimony may also be terminated if the judge determines that the receiving spouse is cohabiting with another person and has a marriage-like relationship with them. If you’re ready to terminate or modify your alimony agreement, our Atlanta alimony lawyers can help. Speak With an Experienced Alimony Lawyer in Atlanta Today If you are worried about being left financially vulnerable by a divorce, you should speak with an experienced Atlanta alimony lawyer before negotiating spousal support. The alimony lawyers at Washington, Dreyer & Associates in Atlanta are the subject matter experts in family law and will argue tenaciously to ensure that the outcome is a fair one. If you would like to discuss alimony or any other legal matter, you can use our online form or call us at 404.996.1794 to schedule a consultation.
Read more
  • 14 May 2022

Fathers Law

Practice Area Divorce Child Custody & Visitation Disputes Wrongful Death Car Accidents DUIs and Distracted Driving Father Rights Slip and Fall Business Litigation In An Instant, Your Life Can Change Forever PARTNER QUINTON WASHINGTON SHARES HIS STORY Expert Tips Maximize Your Personal Injury Case Value https://youtu.be/_G_AOEdwMo4 Get the most value out of your personal injury case. Partner Quinton Washington shares his five insider tips on how to get your case off to the best start. Father’s Rights Attorneys Fighting  for Dads in Atlanta Fathers have more rights today than they did in the past because the courts better understand the importance of the role they play. Children who grow up without a father present are more likely to drop out of school, experiment with drugs, and get into trouble, which is all detrimental to society as a whole.  In Georgia, a mother of a child is not automatically presumed to Washington, Dreyer & Associates Law Firm, our Atlanta father’s rights attorneys are well known as advocates of father’s rights. We will fight to ensure that your parental rights are protected. Our firm has fathers and mothers who are dedicated to helping you.  Some of the Rights Fathers Have in Atlanta, Georgia   Fathers have significant legal standing when it comes to parenting time, or visitation because it is important for children to maintain a relationship with both parents. In some cases, the courts may even order mediation between parents before deciding on custody arrangements so that the best interests of the child are taken into account.  The courts also recognize that some fathers play a more significant role in their children’s lives than others, and this is why it is important to fight for your rights as a father. Our Atlanta father’s rights attorneys will work with you to determine what type of custody arrangement would be appropriate, given your family circumstances. Paternity Paternity establishes that a father is the biological parent of a child.   This action is brought by a Mother against a potential Father.  While establishing paternity does not grant any legal rights, it does obligate fathers to pay child support. When a married woman has a child in Georgia, the law presumes that her husband is the father. When the parents are not married, they can complete a Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment Form at a hospital or county Vital Records Office. Genetic tests are used to settle paternity disputes.  Legitimation If you are a father and were unmarried when your child was born, you will have to initiate legitimation proceedings in Superior Court if you wish to establish a legal relationship. This is because being listed as the father on the child’s birth certificate or the results of a genetic paternity test do not provide any parental rights. While there is no time limit for doing this, fathers who assert their rights early tend to be treated more favorably by the courts. This means that you should consult with an Atlanta father’s rights attorney as soon as possible if you wish to pursue legitimation. Child Custody Married fathers and unmarried fathers who have established legitimation have a right to spend time with their children. When judges in Georgia are tasked with making these decisions, they usually award joint custody as these arrangements are considered to be in the best interests of the child. Child custody disputes can become extremely contentious and unfounded allegations of mistreatment are not uncommon, which is why it is always a good idea to be represented in these proceedings by an experienced, compassionate father’s rights attorney.  Take Action to Protect Your Child The legal system can seem cold and unforgiving to fathers who just want the best for their children, and few parents relish the prospect of dealing with courts and judges. It’s enough to discourage a parent sometimes, but don’t give up. The Atlanta father’s rights attorneys at Washington, Dreyer & Associates Law Firm are here to fight for your rights and protect you and your child. We have a long history of success in helping fathers obtain the custody and visitation arrangements they deserve.  Contact the Father’s Rights Attorneys at Washington, Dreyer & Associates in Atlanta Today     If you are a father and have questions about legitimation, child custody, or any other aspects pertaining to father’s rights, the professional father’s rights attorneys at Washington, Dreyer & Associates in Atlanta can explain the rules and procedures involved and draft the necessary paperwork.  With 50 years of combined legal experience, we can help you to create a parenting plan and advocate on your behalf in court or mediation. You can call us at 404.924.6958 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation and let us help you start building a brighter future for you and your family today. Practice Area Divorce Child Custody & Visitation Disputes Wrongful Death Car Accidents DUIs and Distracted Driving Father Rights Slip and Fall Business Litigation Expert Tips What Determines Child Custody? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edglTXEdWSI&t=3s Custody battles can be confusing and scary. Don’t lose time with your kids; they will only be young once. Listen to this video from attorney Quinton Washington to educate yourself on how the process really works. As a former judge, he has the insight to help you gain the upper hand on what judges look for in custody hearings. The Georgia Department of Transportation reports 133,399 people are injured in motor vehicle accidents every year, with about 6,377 of these injuries resulting in serious, incapacitating injuries. When an accident is caused by another person’s negligence, the victims and families of those injured often are able to take legal recourse to recover for loss.  Injured victims and families of those who have passed away may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other financial losses. Legal Services We Offer to Car Accident Victims The attorneys at the Washington & Dreyer Law Firm provide several legal services to assist victims of car crashes with their recovery efforts including: Legal Representation: The firm will
Read more
Cart

No products in the cart.