change they need to effect in their work and their lives in order to fulfill their goals . I am a mentor for at-risk youth . I have delivered powerful messages to thousands of people all over the United States , including entrepreneurs , legal professionals , churches and women ’ s groups .
Kameelah : Your office has been very successful at helping Fathers obtain rights . How awesome is that ?!? What made you focus on Fathers especially when the odds are stacked against them in the courtroom ? Andrea : The Price Boyd Law Firm advocates on behalf of Mothers and Fathers based on what is right and in the best interest of children . We have , however , experienced an influx of men who are having issues with establishing meaningful relationships with their children or child
19 - Game Changers Magazine May / Jun 2017 support , and do not know their rights . Many Fathers believe the odds are stacked against them and they don ’ t seek to establish or exercise their right to participate in their children ’ s lives . Based on the needs of our community , we have created a division of our Family Law group that is dedicated solely to Fathers ’ Rights . We host free webinars and workshops to educate them . We provide affordable fees and payment plans to our clients so that money is not a hindrance to building strong Father / child relationships . We truly believe that children need both parents . In addition , our clients have various familial backgrounds . All of the fathers we work with have experienced some form of a broken relationship ( i . e ., divorce , break-up , etc .) or breakdown in communication with the mothers of their children . As a result , some mothers refuse to reasonably communicate , co-parent and they even go as far as alienating the children from their fathers . It is our goal to advocate for our client in obtaining an Order from the Court that reflects what is fair and in the best
interest of the children . Kameelah : What advice would you give fathers that don ’ t know where to start ? Andrea : If you are not married to the mother of your child , you have no legal rights until you obtain an order legitimating the child . A legal action establishing fathers rights is called " legitimation ." This legitimation process is necessary to establish custody and visitation rights when the parents are unmarried , even if the Father is named on the birth certificate . In addition to creating a legal father-child relationship , an order of legitimation gives the child the right to inherit under Georgia law just as though the parents were married when the child
was born . If you have a child born out of wedlock , I would advise you to legitimate the child immediately . Paying child support does not establish legitimation and does not guarantee visitation . It is important for Fathers to engage the help of an attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable in handling such issues .
Kameelah : Tell us about your team at the The Price Boyd Law Firm . Andrea : The Price Boyd Law Firm is a boutique law firm located at 809 Pavilion Court , in McDonough , Georgia . I am the Founder and Managing Attorney . Charles Singleton serves as Senior Counsel and Marlon Brammer serves as a part-