Practice Areas
We represent Atlanta grandparents and family caregivers who want to protect an existing relationship with a child. If you have provided day-to-day care, lost regular contact, or are concerned about a child’s safety or stability, we help you understand your legal options under Georgia law.
Depending on your situation, those options may include grandparent visitation, temporary placement, custody, or equitable-caregiver relief. Our role is to explain what the law allows in plain language, set realistic expectations, and help you prepare for court or mediation. Your first step is a confidential consultation where we review your facts, outline practical next steps, and explain what evidence matters most.
Quick Legal Snapshot: What Georgia Law Allows and When
Here is the short version of what Georgia law may allow, along with the limits courts apply.
Remedies that may be available
- Grandparent visitation. Courts may award visitation in limited circumstances when it is necessary to preserve a meaningful relationship with the child.
- Custody or placement. In rare cases, a grandparent or other third party may obtain custody or placement, particularly when a child has lived with that caregiver for an extended period.
- Equitable-caregiver relief. Georgia recognizes certain non-parents who have acted in a parental role and may allow limited rights in appropriate cases.
Key limits and realities
- Parental presumption. Courts begin with the presumption that a fit parent’s decisions should stand. Overcoming that presumption requires persuasive evidence.
- Best-interest and harm standards. Judges focus on the child’s best interests and often require proof of harm or serious disruption before granting relief over a parent’s objection.
Case-by-case outcomes. Results depend heavily on the facts, including the length of caregiving, the child’s bond with you, parental fitness, DFCS involvement, and local court practices.
How We Handle Grandparents’ Rights Cases in Atlanta
We follow a clear process so you always know what comes next.
- Intake and strategy. We review documents, confirm standing, and tailor a plan based on your county, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Forsyth.
- Filing and emergency relief. When safety or ongoing contact is at risk, we seek temporary custody or emergency hearings to protect the child.
- Negotiation and mediation. Many cases resolve through negotiated visitation or placement plans. We prepare proposals that courts view as reasonable and child-focused.
Discovery and preparation. We organize evidence, prepare witnesses, and coordinate with experts or a guardian ad litem when appointed.
Why Choose the Fairell Firm
We handle grandparents’ rights and third-party custody matters throughout Atlanta and bring practical courtroom experience to every case.
What sets us apart
- Local experience in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale and Newton County courts
- Trial-ready preparation combined with realistic settlement strategies
- Clear communication and plain-language guidance
Next Steps — Schedule a Consultation
If you are ready to take the next step, schedule a free consultation with the Fairell Firm. We will review your documents, explain your options, and outline a clear plan.
