Best Business Attorneys in Acworth, GA

A legitimation hearing is a critical process in Georgia, especially when the child’s mother contests the father’s Petition. While biological fathers have the right to seek legitimation, it’s not guaranteed that the court will approve their request. The deciding factor is the child’s best interest. If the court deems the father unfit or concludes that legitimation isn’t in the child’s best interest, the petition may be denied. Mothers in Georgia have the right to challenge a father’s petition for legitimation. The court then assesses the case in a hearing to make a decision. A common point of contention raised by mothers is the father’s abandonment of opportunity interest. This refers to the father’s initial right to build a relationship with his child, which can be forfeited under certain conditions, such as neglect during the child’s early life, delay in seeking legitimation, or lack of contact with the child, or providing financial support.