Legitimation: What Every Father Needs to Know

Episode 3 – Legitimation: What Every Father Needs to Know

In this vital episode of The Kinship Crisis, we’re tackling one of the most misunderstood legal processes for fathers in Georgia: legitimation. If you're a biological father fighting for your rights or simply trying to understand your role in your child's life, this episode is for you.

Join me, Lenora Buckley, alongside guest co-host Catherine Hayes—my daughter and the aunt of my grandson currently in foster care—as we break down what legitimation means, why it's necessary in Georgia, and how it impacts families involved with DFCS. We discuss:

• Georgia state requirements for legitimation
• The step-by-step filing process and common mistakes to avoid
• What happens when the mother is married or contests the petition
• DFCS policy and how it intersects with fathers' rights
• Why legal representation is often critical in legitimation cases

Whether you're a father trying to stay connected to your child or a family member supporting someone through the process, this episode offers real talk, practical advice, and the legal knowledge you need to navigate the system.

Tune in and get empowered—because every child deserves family, and every father deserves a fair chance.

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If you have a story to share, would like to be a guest on The Kinship Crisis, or are a journalist or media outlet interested in featuring this issue, we’d love to hear from you.
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Let’s work together to bring these stories to light and demand accountability.