Fulton County Visitation Lawyer
A significant part of a child’s development is their relationship with their parents. When parents divorce while their children are young, it is more important than ever to protect those relationships. A skilled family attorney can help a parent ensure they have the right to visit their children, even if they lack custody rights.
When you are involved in a visitation dispute, you have the right to seek support from legal counsel. The outcome of these cases can have a lasting impact on your relationship with your children, so it is essential to talk to a Fulton County visitation lawyer as soon as possible.
Understanding the “Best Interest of the Child” Standard
Any time the family judge considers a child custody or visitation case, they are required to do so using a standard known as “the best interest of the child.” It should come as no surprise that this standard does not always allow for either parent to secure their ideal visitation agreement.
The concept of a child’s best interest might seem vague, but the state provides judges with specific factors to consider when making these decisions. The family court must weigh each of these factors when reaching a final decision. The factors that determine a child’s best interest include the following:
- The safety of the child;
- The suitability of the parents;
- The child’s preference, depending on their age;
- The geographical location of each parent;
- Any history of domestic abuse;
- The resources of each parent.
It is important to remember that a favorable outcome could be possible even under these standards. A Fulton County attorney can make the case that fair visitation rights are vital for the growth and development of your child.
How Does Visitation Work?
Visitation does not work the same way in every case. Georgia courts can be flexible based on the needs of the child as well as the parents. The most important thing is the best interest of the child, but there are different types of agreements that might work out for all parties involved. A Fulton County visitation attorney can provide insight into the best option.
Some visitation agreements involve one parent keeping the children during the week while the other parent has custody during most weekends. There are also visitation schedules that allow for midweek evening activities that do not include sleeping over at the non-custodial parent’s home. There are also circumstances where one parent might keep the child for most of the school year but not during summer vacation.
The visits themselves can also vary. Most parents have the right to unsupervised time with their children. However, in some instances, the family court can require that a neutral third party is present during visits. This is common with parents who have only recently had their parental rights returned. The circumstances of both parents and their children will determine what type of visitation option is right for the child.
Enlist the Help of a Fulton County Visitation Attorney
When you are facing the prospect of a visitation dispute, you have the right to secure legal counsel to fight for you. Having a trusted attorney as your advocate gives you the best chance possible for a favorable outcome.
Do not put your relationship with your child at risk by attempting to handle such a high-stakes situation on your own. Reach out to a Fulton County visitation lawyer today to get started.
