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Fulton County · Superior Court, Family Division

How to File for Legitimation in Fulton County Court

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

$215
Filing Fee
First plaintiff + defendant, civil action
$50
Sheriff Service
Per service, if she isn't cooperating
See Guide
Full Checklist Below
Everything to bring, in order

Confirmed against the Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court FAQ and Sheriff's Office fee schedule (O.C.G.A. § 15-16-21). Fees are subject to change — confirm with the Clerk's Office before filing.

01

Confirm you're filing in the right place

File in Fulton County if the mother lives here, if you live in Fulton and she's consented to venue here, or in narrower situations (she's out of state, whereabouts unknown, or deceased).

Venue mistakes are one of the most common reasons a legitimation gets delayed — if your situation doesn't clearly fit, get a quick attorney check before filing.
02

Get the Petition for Legitimation and Custody/Visitation

Covers jurisdiction, the child's info, your custody/visitation request, and whether you want the court to address child support and insurance. Available from Fulton's Family Law Information Center, or use the guided builder.

03

Decide how she'll be served

If she'll cooperate, she signs an Acknowledgment of Service — no Sheriff fee. If not, the Sheriff's Civil Process Unit serves her for $50. Unknown whereabouts require an Affidavit of Diligent Search first.

04

File and pay the $215 filing fee

File at the Clerk of Superior Court. Money orders, cashier's, certified, and business checks accepted — no personal checks or cash.

Can't afford the fee? Ask about a Poverty Affidavit — approved cases can have filing fees waived.
05

Get your court date

Fulton typically issues your court date the same day you file — usually about 30 days out. Attach a Parenting Plan if requesting custody/visitation.

What to bring / have ready

  • Completed Petition for Legitimation and Custody/Visitation
  • Parenting Plan, if requesting custody/visitation
  • Mother's current address (or Affidavit of Diligent Search)
  • Acknowledgment of Service, signed & notarized, if she's cooperating
  • $215 filing fee — money order, cashier's or certified check
  • $50 Sheriff service fee, if no Acknowledgment

Skip the blank form

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

Start my guided petition →

Filing in a different county?

DeKalb County →Cobb County →Gwinnett County — soon

This page provides general information about the Fulton 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.