When a child is born, both biological parents have a right to establish a parent-child relationship with that child. This is true whether or not the parents are married at the time of the birth and the constitutionally protected right is not weakened for unwed parents. Both parents, assuming they are fit and the biological father has legitimated, have standing to obtain custody and parenting time, and to establish child support.
At the law firm of Abbott & Abbott, our lawyers represent unwed parents in Georgia child custody matters. In determining custody, the primary considerations are always the best interests and the welfare of the child. Custody disputes between unwed parents should be resolved by reference to the same factors considered in determining the best interests of children whose parents are or were married to one another.
Experienced Georgia Child Custody Attorneys
Custody and visitation arrangements for unwed parents vary from one county to another in Georgia. There are different types of custody in Georgia, which determine where the child will live and how decisions will be made regarding the child's well-being.
Physical custody will determine where the child will actually live and what rights to visitation a parent will have with his or her child(ren). Legal custody determines how decisions will be made regarding extra curricular activities, health and religion issues. Both parents have equal rights to these issues, but if they cannot come to a conclusion together, the court can help them decide. In some arrangements, one parent may have tie-breaking authority over issues of legal custody in the event of a disagreement.
Contact a Marietta or Canton custody lawyer for an appointment to discuss your concerns and questions. Call us in Marietta (678.905.8781) or Canton (678.792.4908) for a free 30-minute consultation. We accept all major credit cards.
