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What To Know When Seeking Child Custody

Feb 28, 2018

Before going through the child custody process, there are a few things you need to know.

The child custody process can typically go one of two ways: It can be a smooth, agreeable process for both parents who want what’s best for their child; or, it can be an emotional, contentious process between parents who tend to disagree.

When you’re in need of a trusted name in Atlanta family law issues, you’re in need of the dedicated attorneys at The Fairell Firm. Our Atlanta family law team has the dedication, passion, and discretion to help you fight for your parental rights.

Child custody is a delicate situation which should not be taken lightly. Keep reading to learn a few tips from The Fairell Firm and contact our Atlanta child custody lawyers today to get started on a resolution.

Types Of Custody

The State of Georgia outlines two types of custody. Those two types are:

  • Physical Custody: Determines with which parent the child will live. Can include sole custody (live with one parent only) and joint custody (time split equally between two parents)
  • Legal Custody: Determines which parent has the legal rights to make all major decisions regarding the child’s health, education, extracurricular, and religious upbringing. Awarded as sole or joint custody.

Judgement Factors

It’s important to note that the judge will always act in the best interest of the child. Some factors for parents to consider when seeking custody include their own:

  • Mental and physical health
  • Emotional stability
  • Relationship and bonds with the child
  • Education and work skills
  • Child’s special needs
  • Finances, employment, living situation
  • Child’s preference

Children Born Out Of Wedlock

In the State of Georgia, the father of a child born out of wedlock is not granted any legal rights. In order to establish parental rights, the father would need to petition for legitimation. Learn more about legitimation in Georgia if you think it might be applicable to your situation.

Parenting Plans

Georgia law requires a parenting plan in all child custody cases regardless of the custody ruling. This means coming up with a proper care structure and schedule for the child, including parenting time, holidays and special occasions, transportation, supervision, and more.

Child Support

The non-custodial parent is typically responsible for child support payments on a regular, fixed basis. This ensures that both parents are responsible for support and care of the child, no matter the custodial circumstances. Our team is also well-versed in Georgia child support laws and can help guide you through this process.

Get Help

No matter what your family situation may be, a child custody dispute can be emotionally trying — for you as a parent and even for the child.

You deserve help from a trustworthy family law team which cares about finding an acceptable resolution for your situation. You deserve The Fairell Firm. Our team considers a number of variables when fighting on your behalf when it comes to child custody, and we strive to be the best advocate not only for your needs and wants — but for the needs and wants of your child, as well.

It’s important that the child is raise in the safest, most loving environment possible, which is exactly what The Fairell Firm strives for in your case.

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