Strategies During Child Custody Battles in Georgia

The most appropriate strategies during child custody battles in Georgia depend entirely on your unique circumstances. Each family is different, and it makes sense to build your legal strategy around your specific situation. That said, various tactics could be helpful in many child custody cases – and an experienced child custody attorney in Georgia may be able to help you implement them.

Build Your Strategy Around Your Child’s Best Interests 

First, you should know that all effective custody strategies cater to the child’s best interests. Family courts in Georgia pay close attention to the child’s best interests when making decisions about custody. As a result, you should become familiar with the various factors that affect a child’s best interests.

These factors may include physical safety, the parent-child bond, mental health, physical health, educational needs, community ties, the child’s preferences, past instances of abuse, and many others.

Parents should not make the mistake of making the child custody battle about THEM. Family courts will not try to act in the best interests of the parents. In their eyes, your own personal wishes and goals may be completely irrelevant compared to the needs of your children.

Consider Prioritizing Your Child’s Education 

Many effective custody strategies revolve around a child’s educational needs. If you can convince that the child has a better chance of positive educational performance in your custody, this could lead to success. For example, you might show the judge that your residence is located closer to the child’s school.

You might also demonstrate a willingness to assist with homework, organize tutoring, and take other supportive steps. Parents may want to create designated “homework areas” in their residences to show the court how much they care about the child’s education.

Expose Hazards to Your Child 

A more combative strategy might involve exposing hazards your child might face while in the custody of the other parent. This might involve gathering evidence of substance abuse, neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, child endangerment, and so on.

You should know that this strategy can be risky, especially if there is insufficient evidence of this misconduct. If the court believes you are intentionally lying about these hazards in order to gain an advantage, the strategy might backfire. If you sabotage your child’s relationship with the other parent, the court might punish you by taking away your custody rights.

Consider a Less Combative Approach 

Although many parents are willing to fight tirelessly for custody, a less combative approach could be more effective. Private negotiations may help parents agree upon suitable custody schedules that serve the entire family’s best interests. Mediation can be less stressful, leading to better mental health outcomes for the children. It may also lead to positive, cordial relationships between parents – even after marriages end.

Discuss Child Custody Strategies With Buckhead Family Law 

If you want to explore additional child custody strategies in Georgia, consider a consultation with Buckhead Family Law. We know that fighting for custody is an important priority for many parents, and we can help you pursue your goals with confidence. Although numerous strategies may be possible, it might make more sense to take a less adversarial approach in many cases. To discuss your specific circumstances in more detail, feel free to book a consultation with us today.

Sources: 

legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20212022/198241

childwelfare.gov/resources/determining-best-interests-child-georgia/