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Atlanta Divorce Lawyer > Atlanta Equitable Caregiver Lawyer

Atlanta Equitable Caregiver Lawyer

At Buckhead Family Law, our Atlanta equitable caregiver lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of Georgia’s Equitable Caregiver Act. We help parents and other adults understand and protect their rights under the law. If you have any questions about the state’s equitable caregiver law, we are more than qualified to get you answers. For a strictly confidential consultation with a top-rated Georgia family lawyer, please call our Atlanta law office today.

Equitable Caregiver Under Georgia law

Historically, it was essentially impossible for non-parental adults to get access to custody or visitation rights in Georgia. In 2019, state legislators reformed the state’s laws to recognize that unrelated adults—particularly grandparents and stepparents—play a critically important role in the lives of many children. Known as the Georgia Equitable Caregiver Act (O.C.G.A. § 19-7-3.1), the law gives non-parents a right to petition for custody or visitation rights. To qualify as an equitable caregiver under Georgia law, an adult must prove that they have done the following four things:

  1. Assumed a “parental like role” in care/responsibility for the child;
  2. Engaged in the caregiver’s role on a consistent basis;
  3. Established a true bond and dependency with the child; and
  4. Accepted parental obligations on a permanent basis.

For those who qualify as an equitable caregiver under Georgia law, they can seek custody rights and/or visitation rights. Though, it is important to emphasize that non-parents have the burden of proving their relationship to the court. An equitable caregiver is never guaranteed custody or visitation. These matters are still decided under Georgia’s best interests of the child standard. Still, equitable caregivers have legal rights and a clear role in the process.

Equitable caregiver cases are complicated. At Buckhead Family Law, our family law attorneys Melissa Davis and Malone W. Allen will handle these matters with the highest degree of care, compassion, and sensitivity. When you call our Atlanta law firm, you will have an opportunity to speak directly to a Georgia equitable caregiver law attorney who will:

  • Answer your rights and options under Georgia’s equitable caregiver statute;
  • Organize the evidence and documentation you need to build a case;
  • Advocate for you in negotiations or family law mediation; and
  • Take whatever action is needed to protect yourself and your family.

You deserve personalized guidance, support, and representation from an Atlanta child custody & visitation attorney. We have a deep understanding of Georgia’s relatively new equitable caregiver law and we will put forward the time and resources to get you the best possible outcome.

Contact An Atlanta Equitable Caregiver Lawyer At Buckhead Family Law

At Buckhead Family Law, our Atlanta family lawyers have the skills, experience, and knowledge to handle the full spectrum of equitable caregiver cases. If you have any questions about Georgia’s equitable caregiver law, we are here as a resource. Contact us now for a fully private consultation. From our offices in Atlanta and Marietta, we are well-positioned to serve communities throughout the region.

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