Paternity Lawyer in Savannah
Clear Guidance For Complex GA Paternity Questions
Questions about paternity can affect every part of your life. You may be trying to secure time with your child, protect yourself from an unfair support order, or finally resolve a long standing dispute. In any of these situations, you need clear advice and steady representation, not more confusion.
At Johnson Kraeuter, LLC, we focus our practice on family law, including the paternity issues that often tie directly into custody and child support. Our attorneys bring together more than 100 years of collective family law experience, and we use that depth to help parents make informed decisions in emotionally charged situations.
To talk with our family law team about your Savannah paternity issue, call (912) 421-2900.
Why Parents Choose Our Firm
Our attorneys have served on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Georgia’s Family Law Section. This leadership role reflects our deep involvement in how family law is discussed and developed across the state. Clients benefit because we stay current on changes that may affect paternity, custody, and child support cases.
We have also been recognized through honors such as Super Lawyers listings and an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale Hubbell. These independent ratings speak to our professionalism, legal ability, and standing within the legal community. For a parent facing a paternity action, this kind of validation can make it easier to entrust a sensitive case to our team.
Our firm includes a former felony prosecutor who brings extensive trial experience to contested hearings. Paternity disputes can involve testimony, documents, and genetic evidence. When settlement is not possible, clients appreciate having attorneys who know how to present a clear, well prepared case in court.
Most importantly, we do not treat paternity matters as routine paperwork. We take time to understand family dynamics, long term goals, and the practical realities you face. Then we build a strategy that aims to resolve the legal issues while supporting a stable future for you and your child.
Understanding Paternity Cases In Georgia
Paternity has a specific meaning under Georgia law. It refers to the legal determination of who is a child’s father. This can differ from what is on a birth certificate, and it is separate from legitimation, which addresses a father’s rights to custody and visitation with a child born outside marriage.
We regularly see several common situations. A mother may seek to establish paternity so that child support can be ordered. A father may want to confirm that he is the biological parent before accepting a long term financial obligation. In other cases, a man who knows he is the father may need to establish paternity as a foundation for pursuing custody or parenting time.
Paternity can be established voluntarily in some cases, for example through an acknowledgment signed at the hospital or later. It can also be determined through a court action that may include genetic testing. The specific path depends on what documents already exist, whether there is disagreement about biological parentage, and whether any agency such as the Georgia Division of Child Support Services is involved.
How We Guide You Through The Process
If you are facing a new paternity dispute or responding to one, some immediate steps can be helpful:
- Keep copies of any court papers, agency letters, or agreements you have signed.
- Save written communications with the other parent or with child support services.
- Avoid making promises or admissions about paternity or support without legal advice.
- Note important dates, such as when you were served with papers or upcoming hearings.
Throughout the process, our goal is to keep you informed and involved. We explain what to expect at each stage, answer your questions, and adjust our strategy as new information arises. Parents often tell us that having a clear plan reduces the stress of an already difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a lawyer for a paternity case?
While the law does not require you to have a lawyer, paternity cases often carry long-term consequences for custody and support. We help parents understand their rights, avoid signing documents they later regret, and present their position clearly so the court can make informed decisions.
How long does a paternity case usually take in Savannah?
Timeframes vary based on court schedules, whether testing is needed, and how contested the issues are. Some matters resolve in a few months, while others take longer if multiple hearings are required. We discuss likely timing at the outset and update you as the case progresses.
What happens if genetic testing shows I am not the father?
If reliable testing shows you are not the biological father, that result can significantly affect the court’s decisions about paternity and support. The impact depends on what documents were previously signed and what orders already exist. We review your specific facts and explain your options.
Can your firm help with custody and support after paternity is set?
Yes. Our family law practice includes custody, parenting time, and child support matters that often follow a paternity determination. We work with you to develop a plan that supports your child’s needs and reflects your role as a parent, then advocate for that plan in negotiations or court.
Talk With Our Savannah Paternity Team
Paternity decisions can shape your relationship with a child and your financial obligations for years. You do not have to navigate those decisions alone. Our attorneys at Johnson Kraeuter, LLC help parents in Savannah understand their options, prepare for court, and work toward realistic, stable outcomes.
To talk with our family law team about your Savannah paternity issue, call (912) 421-2900.