In Georgia, paternity doesn't give an unmarried father visitation or custody rights to his child. Georgia law differentiates between paternity, (establishing the identity of the child's biological father) and legitimation, which establishes a legal relationship between father and child. A father can receive legitimation at the same time or after paternity is established, but only legitimation allows an unmarried father to seek custody or visitation.

This current law is unhealthy for many powerless children. It grants mothers the power to control father/child relationships without considering any other factors important to a child's growth, development and well-being. Many women use this law as a weapon against fathers that want consistent relationships with their children. Children should not be used as pawns or bargaining chips. They are young people with futures and feelings that deserve to be developed by both parents EQUALLY.

The responsibility of fatherhood should be respected beyond a simple financial responsibility. Children need more than money from dads. A willing father being active in their child's life shouldn't be treated like a club or amusement park where there is a fee for admission.

A woman's feelings towards the father of her child should not impact a father's relationship with his child if he is a good and responsible father.

Children need their fathers. This legislation must be changed!!!