Georgia Child Custody And Visitation Lawyers
Nothing is more important than your children. When involved in a custody dispute, our clients routinely ask us to ensure that their children are in a loving environment and that their relationship with them is preserved.
Our experienced child custody lawyers have spent years protecting the rights of parents in child custody disputes in Evans, Georgia. We will be vigorous advocates for you and your family.
We Will Defend Your Interests Aggressively
When it comes to child custody and visitation matters, it is important to understand the entire circumstances of the situation. When deciding custody matters, a judge will consider all factors affecting the child’s well-being. It is important to have a child custody attorney on your side who is well-versed in getting all of the relevant facts that will help the judge put your children in the best circumstances moving forward.
We fight for your rights in court so you can concentrate on maintaining your relationship with your children.
We Put Your Children First
We understand that the relationship you have with your children is sacrosanct. We will make every effort to preserve your relationship by fighting for your parental rights in and out of court. If necessary, we have the knowledge, resources and experience to fight aggressively through trial.
When it comes to your children, you can trust our experience and courtroom advocacy to represent your interests with authority and compassion. We are trial lawyers with a history of success in the courtroom.
Whether you are looking for sole custody, joint custody or a modification of an existing child custody order, we can ensure you are aware of your rights and options.
How Are Child Custody And Visitation Different?
In Georgia, child custody and visitation are distinct but related concepts in family law.
- Child custody: This encompasses both physical and legal custody. Physical custody determines where the child lives and may be granted to only one parent (sole custody) or shared between parents (joint custody). Legal custody involves decision-making authority over important aspects of a child’s life, such as their education and health care. Legal custody can also be sole or joint.
- Visitation: This refers to the scheduled time the parent who doesn’t have primary physical custody spends with the child. If one parent has sole physical custody, the other parent is typically granted visitation rights to maintain a relationship with the child. Visitation is sometimes referred to as “parenting time,” referring to the scheduled time either parent spends with the child.
The primary focus of Georgia courts is the best interest of the child, considering factors like the child’s emotional needs, the parents’ ability to care for the child and sometimes, the child’s own preferences. Parents are encouraged to collaborate on a parenting plan that addresses both custody and visitation to ensure the child’s well-being.
What Are The Different Types Of Child Custody In Georgia?
There are four main types of custody available:
- Joint legal custody: Both parents share the decision-making responsibilities regarding a child’s life, such as education, health care and religious beliefs. This requires cooperation and communication between the parents.
- Sole legal custody: One parent is responsible for making major decisions concerning the child’s upbringing. The other parent may still be informed or consulted, but the decision-making authority rests with one parent.
- Joint physical custody: The child splits their time living with both parents, allowing both to be actively involved in the child’s daily life. This does not necessarily mean equal time but rather substantial time with each parent.
- Sole physical custody: The child mainly lives with one parent, who is responsible for the child’s day-to-day care. The noncustodial parent usually has visitation rights to maintain a relationship with the child.
Our Georgia attorneys will work closely with you to help you understand your options and fight for the type of custody you believe is best for you and your child.
Which Factors Do Georgia Family Courts Consider When Determining Custody?
When determining custody, Georgia family courts focus on the best interests of the child. They consider various factors to ensure the child’s well-being and stability:
- Parental involvement: Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life, including their ability to meet the child’s needs.
- Stability and continuity: The importance of maintaining a stable and continuous environment for the child.
- Parental cooperation: The ability of the parents to communicate and work together regarding the child’s upbringing.
- Emotional bonds: The strength of the emotional relationship between the child and each parent.
- The child’s needs: The specific emotional, educational and social needs of the child and how each parent can meet them.
- The parents’ health: The physical and mental health of each parent and how it affects their ability to care for the child.
- Parental conduct: Any history of family violence, substance abuse or neglect by either parent.
- Proximity of residences: The geographical distance between the parents’ homes and its impact on the child’s routine.
- The child’s preference: The preference of the child, if they are of sufficient age and maturity, to express a reasoned choice.
These factors help the court make a decision that prioritizes the child’s best interests, ensuring they are placed in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Can You Modify A Child Custody Agreement In Georgia?
Yes, you can modify a child custody agreement in Georgia, but certain conditions must be met. The most important factor is that there is a significant change in circumstances to warrant modification. This change should affect the child’s well-being. Some common examples include:
- A parent relocating to a distant location affecting the existing custody arrangement.
- Changes in the child’s needs, such as educational or health requirements.
- A parent’s significant change in lifestyle or circumstances, such as employment status or living conditions.
- Evidence of neglect, abuse or other harmful situations in the current living environment.
Modifying a custody agreement requires careful consideration and legal procedures, with the child’s best interests as the primary focus. If both parents agree to a modification, the court still has to approve the changes, but the process is generally less complex. However, if parents cannot agree on modifying a custody order, the parent seeking modification will have to file a petition with the court and present evidence to support the significant change in circumstances.
Our family law attorneys can help parents navigate this process and achieve a favorable outcome that prioritizes their child’s needs and welfare.
Schedule A Consultation Today
Child custody is a serious issue that parents shouldn’t have to deal with alone. Our experienced custody and visitation lawyers understand how sensitive and complex these cases can be and strive to provide you with the legal support you need.
Call 706-303-0734 to schedule your initial consultation today, or reach us online.