Legal Support Whether You’ve Been Served or You’re Filing
Legitimation in Georgia follows two very different paths depending on your situation. Whether you’ve been served with a petition or you’re initiating the case, Flat Fee Family Law.com provides affordable, strategic representation with clear flat-fee pricing — no retainers, no hourly billing, no surprises.
Quick Start Option: Ready to Begin?
We handle both sides of legitimation cases — whether you’re responding to a petition or filing one yourself. Our flat-fee options make the process clear and predictable from the start.
What Is Legitimation in Georgia?
Legitimation establishes a legal relationship between an unmarried father and child. Depending on your situation, the case may involve defending a petition (most often for mothers who’ve been served) or filing a petition (for fathers seeking enforceable rights). Outcomes can affect custody, parenting time, decision-making, child support, relocation, and long-term stability.
If You’ve Been Served with a Petition
Defense and Legal Protection for Mothers
When a child is born to an unmarried mother, Georgia law gives full legal custody to the mother unless the court grants legitimation. If you’ve been served with a Petition for Legitimation, it may affect:
- Custody and decision-making
- Parenting time/visitation
- Child support
- Your ability to relocate
- Safety, stability, and boundaries
How We Help
- Contesting or limiting the petition
- Negotiating parenting terms only if appropriate
- Setting clear expectations and boundaries
- Preventing unfair support or custody changes
- Ensuring child safety and long-term stability
Flat Fee: $3,500 — Full representation when you’ve been served
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- Legal response and filings
- Negotiation or defense
- Parenting plan guidance (if needed)
- Required court documents
- Representation through resolution
If You’ve Been Served with a Petition
Establishing Legal Rights as a Father
To gain enforceable custody, visitation, or decision-making rights in Georgia, a father must file a formal Petition for Legitimation.
Filing can establish:
- Legal or joint custody
- Visitation and parenting plans
- Decision-making authority
- Name on the birth certificate
- Inheritance rights
How We Help
- Drafting and filing petitions
- Handling service and court forms
- Creating enforceable parenting plans
- Addressing child support when needed
- Avoiding delays and court rejection
Flat Fee: $4,200 — Full representation to file a Petition for Legitimation
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- Petition drafting and filing
- Service and court communication
- Parenting plan creation
- Settlement preparation
- Guidance through final order
Typical Timing
Most legitimation cases go faster — and with fewer disputes — when the process is handled correctly from the start. We prepare filings carefully and keep the case moving to avoid avoidable delays.
What a Petition Can Affect
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- Custody and decision-making
- Parenting time/visitation
- Child support
- Relocation limits
- Safety, stability, and boundaries
What Filing Can Establish
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- Legal or joint custody
- Visitation and parenting plans
- Decision-making authority
- Birth certificate name update
- Inheritance rights
How Much Does Legitimation Cost?
$3,500 — If You’ve Been Served
$4,200 — If You’re Filing
$3,500 includes response/filings, negotiation or defense, parenting plan guidance (if needed), required court documents, and representation through resolution.
$4,200 includes petition drafting and filing, service and court communication, parenting plan creation, settlement preparation, and guidance through final order.
Why Clients Choose Us
✔ Transparent pricing — no retainers or hidden fees
✔ Experience with both filing and defending cases
✔ Custody, support, and parenting plan guidance
✔ Fast, court-approved documentation
✔ Clear communication throughout the process
Final Thoughts
Flat-fee representation with no hourly billing or retainers — clarity from the start to final order.
Ready to Move Forward?
Most legitimation cases go faster — and with fewer disputes — when the process is handled correctly from the start.
