Will my fiance have any rights to my children once we marry?

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1. Licensed in GA

   

   Rachel Elovitz

   Atlanta Family Law Attorney

   Contributor Level 13

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   Answered May 14, 2012 14:45. No. He will be their stepfather. The children's legal custodians are you, their mother, and if they were born in wedlock, their father. If they were not born in wedlock, then they may still have two legal parents if 1) the father married you after they were born and held them out as his own or 2) if he subsequently legtiimated them. The children's soon-to-be stepfather will have no right to custody of or any obligation to support your children by another man, unless he adopts them (which would require a surrender by the father of his parental rights or the termination of his rights by a court of competent jurisdiction).

   This answer is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as nor does it constitute legal advice.... moreThis answer is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as nor does it constitute legal advice. This answer does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Do not rely on this answer in prosecuting or defending against any criminal or civil legal action. Speak to an attorney in your area about how to protect yourself and your interests. less

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2. Licensed in GA

   

   Anthony ZezimaPro

   Atlanta Child Custody Lawyer

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   Answered May 14, 2012 14:54. He can never have any rights unless you consent to it in the future. You could consent to him adopting your sons. You could give him voluntary guardianship. If he adopted them, and then your divorced, he could obtain custody because by consenting to the adoption you gave him the same rights as the biological father had. None of this could be done without terminating the rights of the biological father.
   So, if you do not wish for him to have such rights, he will not, and you do not need an attorney.

   I am exclusively a family law attorney, practicing primarily in the metro Atlanta, Georgia trial courts. However,... moreI am exclusively a family law attorney, practicing primarily in the metro Atlanta, Georgia trial courts. However, I handle appeals from anywhere in Georgia. less

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3. Licensed in GA

   

   Ikemesit Eyo

   Atlanta Family Law Attorney

   Contributor Level 18

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   Answered May 14, 2012 15:08. He will not have any rights and will not be their legal guardian; he'll be a legal "stranger" to the children. The only way a child's step-parent can have any rights to a child is if that parent adopts the child.

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4. Licensed in GA

   

   Glen AshmanPro

   East Point Divorce / Separation Lawyer

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   Answered May 14, 2012 16:49. He has no rights or say-so over them whatsoever unless, after the marriage, he adopts them (which will require an adoption case and either consent of the father or termination of rights).

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5. Licensed in GA

   

   George Mccranie

   Douglas DUI / DWI Attorney

   Contributor Level 14

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   Answered May 15, 2012 08:27. The short answer is - NO. Once you are married he will be your two sons Step-father. A step parent does not have any automatic legal right to custody in Georgia. If he Adopts the boys after you are married, then he will have all of the additional rights and obligations that go with being a natural parent. In order to Adopt the boys their natural father would have to Surrender his Parental Rights or have his Parental rights terminated by the appropriate Court. After you are married the natural father will still have the obligation to provide child support for your sons. I hope this information has been helpful. Good Luck and Best Wishes in your new marriage!

   The information provided in this response to a question is not legal advise and is provided only for general... moreThe information provided in this response to a question is not legal advise and is provided only for general information purposes. My response should not be taken as legal advise as no attorney / client representation exists. Additionally, the information given in this answer is specific to the State of Georgia only and should not be applied to any other state. less

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