Many of the most heated disputes in a Georgia divorce center on property division and alimony, but the stakes are even higher when the case involves minor children. Financial issues may take a back seat compared to child custody matters, which directly affect your rights and responsibilities as a parent. Plus, custody implicates several other legal factors and duties, including child visitation, support, and parenting plans. When you note that child custody even plays a key role in paternity cases, you realize the far-reaching complications.
At Buckhead Family Law, our team understands that your children are a priority in both divorce and paternity matters. We are dedicated to supporting your interests, so we can explain the relevant laws and help achieve your objectives. Please contact our firm to set up a consultation with a Forsyth County child custody lawyer who can advise you on your options. You might also find it useful to review some basic concepts and how the legal process works.
State laws favor both parents being involved with raising their children, making important decisions, and maintaining solid, continuous relationships. Therefore, the Georgia child custody statute does not grant any presumptions about custody; instead, it provides that custody determinations must be made on the basis of the child’s best interests. Factors include:
- The bond between the child and parents;
- Each parent’s willingness and capacity to provide for child’s needs;
- The stability and continuity of the home environment;
- The presence of violence or substance abuse; and,
- Many others.
After evaluating these factors, a court will decide on the two types of custody in Georgia:
- Physical custody, covering how much time the child spends with each parent; and,
- Legal custody, which refers to each parent’s right to participate in decisions on healthcare, education, religion, extracurricular activities, and other issues involved with raising the child.
Whenever custody is an issue before the court, parents are required to prepare a parenting plan. In some cases, you may be able to agree on the plan for custody and related issues, keeping in mind that custody has a bearing on visitation and child support. If you cannot reach an agreement, the court will decide at a hearing, which will focus on the child’s best interests factors.
Our Forsyth County child custody lawyer at Buckhead Family Law is prepared to represent you through all aspects of the legal process. You can count on our team to:
- Advise you on the laws;
- Advocate on your behalf in drafting and negotiating an agreement;
- Represent you in court; and,
- Engage in ongoing custody issues that arise after entry of an order.
As you can see, there are numerous complexities and subtleties involved with child custody laws. You cannot put your rights as a parent at risk, so rely on our team s to protect them. To schedule a case evaluation with one of our skilled Georgia child custody lawyers, please call 404-390-0000 or visit our website.