Georgia Child Custody
Experienced Georgia Family Law & Divorce Attorneys
In the event of a divorce, one of the primary areas of concern will inevitably be what will happen to your children. Georgia child custody is not only a major issue for you and your spouse, but will also be of vital interest to the court overseeing your divorce as well as our GA divorce lawyers.
With respect to Georgia
child custody laws,
"the best
interests of the child" are always considered above all else. The
judge in charge of determining your Georgia child custody case will take many factors
into consideration when determining the best interest of your
children, including but certainly not limited to the age of your
children, the ability
of each parent to care for the children, and the compatibility
of
each child with each individual parent. This is a critical time
in your divorce proceedings to have an experienced Atlanta divorce
attorney with a solid understanding of
Georgia child custody laws on your side to
protect your parental interests and the interests of your
children.
Different Types of Child Custody in Georgia
In some GA divorce situations, if it is determined that "joint custody" is in the best option for the children, it is important to keep in mind that there are two types of joint custody according to GA law. The first is joint legal custody, which means that both parents have the ability to contribute to major decisions regarding the children and share equal responsibility in carrying out those decisions. Joint physical custody under Georgia child custody laws refers to the actual amount of time that a child spends with each parent. In some cases, our Atlanta family law attorneys will explain that a judge may award joint physical custody, and in others, they may make a ruling for joint legal custody. Sometimes a court may rule in favor of both at the same time. Our skilled Atlanta divorce lawyers will work with you to protect your rights help ensure that you reach a child custody agreement that works for you and your children.
When sole child custody is awarded to one parent in a divorce in Georgia, the second parent is often given visitation rights, also known as "parenting time." In this situation, the non-custodial parent will be able to spend time with the child as set forth in the agreement. He or she will likely be required to pay Georgia child support to the custodial parent to help with the costs of raising the child.
It is important to note that in some circumstances a child can have a say in which parent they live with. Children over the age of fourteen are generally permitted to tell the judge their preference during the child custody proceedings in Georgia. Younger children, ages 11-13, can also make their preferences known to the court, however a GA judge is not required to honor the request if they do not believe it is in the best interest of the child.
Getting Started
If you are dealing with a divorce or child
custody issue in
Atlanta, we advise you to speak with one of our divorce lawyers sooner rather than later. The
process can be intense and sometimes intimidating, and the help of an
experienced attorney will be invaluable in helping you protect your
interests and the interests of your children.
For a typical contested divorce or
child custody matter, our law firm retainer begins at $2,500.00. If you would like to talk with one
of our family law attorneys about representing you, either fill out the
brief form to your left or give us a call. For additional contact
information and driving directions to our firm please visit our
Contact Page. Thank you and we look forward to working with you.
2973 Hardman Court
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Telephone: (404) 239-3932
Fax: (404) 352-1119
Email: info@persilylaw.com
