How to File for Legitimation in DeKalb County Court

If you're an unmarried father in DeKalb County, here's what it costs and how the filing process runs — based on the Clerk of Superior Court's current published fees.

$213

Filing Fee

Legitimation is listed by name on DeKalb's fee schedule

$50

Sheriff Service

Per service, if she isn't cooperating

See Guide

Full Checklist Below

Everything to bring, in order

Confirmed against DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court's Civil/Family Filing Fees schedule (eff. 7/1/2023), which lists Legitimation by name at $213.00. Fees are subject to change — confirm with the Clerk's Office before filing.

Confirm you're filing in the right place

DeKalb allows five venue situations: mother lives in DeKalb; she's elsewhere in Georgia but consented to venue here; she's out of state and you/child live in DeKalb; her whereabouts are unknown and you/child live in DeKalb; or she's deceased and you/child live in DeKalb.

If none of those five fit, DeKalb's own instructions say you cannot file here.

Get the Petition for Legitimation (Solo Version)

More compact than some counties' — covers paternity, venue, the child's living situation, birth record changes, and existing child support orders. Custody/visitation needs a separate Parenting Plan filed alongside it.

Decide how she'll be served

Cooperative service is simpler. Otherwise expect the standard $50 Sheriff service fee, or an Affidavit of Diligent Search plus service by publication if she can't be located.

File electronically and pay the $213 filing fee

DeKalb requires mandatory e-filing for civil/family cases (since 2017). File through the Clerk's e-filing portal or a Public Access Terminal at the courthouse.

If you agree on everything, DeKalb's packet still expects a Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit and Child Support Worksheet from both parties.

Attend your hearing

Once served (or acknowledged) and any waiting period passes, the court sets your hearing. Bring your Parenting Plan if custody/visitation is part of your request.

What to bring / have ready

✓Completed Petition for Legitimation (Solo Version)
✓Parenting Plan Proposal or Agreement, if requesting custody/visitation
✓Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit (both parties, if agreed)
✓Child Support Worksheet, if support is being addressed
✓$213 filing fee via DeKalb's e-filing portal
✓$50 Sheriff service fee, if she's not cooperating

Skip the blank form

Answer a few plain questions and we'll fill in your actual DeKalb County Petition and Parenting Plan.

Start my guided petition →

Filing in a different county?

Fulton County →Cobb County →Gwinnett County — soon

This page provides general information about the DeKalb County legitimation process, not legal advice. Fees are subject to change — confirm current amounts with the Clerk's Office before filing. If your case is contested or your situation doesn't clearly match what's described here, consult a licensed Georgia family law attorney.