Alpharetta Child Custody Lawyer
When determining child custody in your Georgia divorce, the courts always prefer an arrangement that involves contributions from both parents, provided there are no safety concerns. Courts encourage both parents to share in the decision-making process and want them to develop meaningful relationships with their children. Obviously, every family situation is different. Therefore, the court has the discretion to award legal and physical custody of a child to both parents or only one parent if that is what is in the children’s best interests. You need strong and dedicated legal representation in a Georgia child custody matter to protect your family’s rights. The knowledgeable Alpharetta child custody lawyers at Buckhead Family Law are here to help. We have the experience and can provide the level of attention your custody matter deserves.
Georgia law doesn’t favor the mother or the father when it comes to granting one particular type of custody for either parent. When determining custody in a Georgia case, the court looks at what’s best for the child. The court is responsible for determining both legal and physical custody.
Legal custody determines who has the right to make essential decisions on the child’s behalf related to upbringing. Examples include education, healthcare, religious, social activities, and extracurricular activities. Physical custody refers to who the child lives with and how much time they spend with each parent.
Courts have the power to order joint or sole custody or a combination of both. For example, one parent could be awarded primary custody of the children, while the other parent receives visitation or parenting time on certain days or weekends. The judge may order that the parent with primary custody has the legal authority to make day-to-day decisions. However, the court can also say they must consult the other parent for all major decisions, but the primary custodial parent still has the authority to make the final decision.
If you and your ex cannot reach an agreement on a parenting plan and visitation, it means you are leaving the decision up to the family court judge. The court will look at what is in your child’s best interests, not necessarily what you and your ex each want. The judge will decide after considering various factors, including:
- Each parent’s familiarity with the child’s needs
- What the emotional bond is between each parent and your child, as well as their bond with other siblings
- What the quality is of each parent’s home environment—is it a safe and nurturing place?
- The necessity for continuity and stability in the child’s life
You and your ex will be learning to move into a co-parenting role in most cases, which means there will be ongoing contact after your divorce for years to come. This contact will be regardless of whether you split up amicably or the divorce is contentious. While you may never be friends with your ex, you can learn to make your relationship civil. If you both cannot reach an agreement on your own, we will be there to help ensure your voice is heard and your needs and wants are expressed.
If you need assistance with child custody in Georgia, our experienced Alpharetta child custody lawyers are here to help. Contact Buckhead Family Law today to schedule an initial consultation. Let us help protect your rights and fight for the custody arrangement you believe is in the best interests of your children.