Q: I have a signed voluntary acknowledgment of legitimization, what steps do I take to file for visitation or custody?
My child is 10 and she, her mother and myself reside in Effingham County Georgia. The mother will rarely let my daughter visit me, so I would like court ordered visitation or joint custody. The mother is not a fit parent. She has been arrest every year since 2012, several DUIs (some with my child in the car) charges of cruelty to children in the 3rd degree, shoplifting, hit and run and multiple other charges threw the years. She is not employed and hasn’t been for years. Both my child and the mother live in the grandmothers home, the mother has never had a place of her own. I have a completely clean background, pay child support every month, have a job and raise my other three children In my home with my wife, who is also employed. I have no doubt that I would win my case but I don’t know how to file. Legal representation is preferred but is not an option financially right now. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.
A: The law changed some time ago regarding the procedures related to legitimization of a child and your acknowledgment may fall within the old law. At any rate, your issue really is a procedural one. That's where a lawyer comes in. You can spin around trying to figure it out, or pay someone a fee to figure it all out for you, frame the facts in an efficient manner. Money up front always saves a LOT in the rear. We went to school for this stuff.
Homer P Jordan IV agrees with this answer
A: Kim is correct. No one can give you a tutorial on how to file for custody. When your car breaks down, most people don't ask for advice on how to fix it, they take it to a mechanic. The law is the same way. You need to hire an attorney if you want to file for custody.
Homer P Jordan IV agrees with this answer
A: I agree with my colleagues, your best option is to consult with an attorney who can review the facts of your case in detail and help you plan the proper course of action. -Homer P. Jordan IV, Esq. 404-620-1558 HomerJordan.com
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