What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases in Georgia?

Custody

Mar 7, 2025 | Content

Child custody cases are legally complex and emotionally demanding for all parties involved. Sometimes parents get so caught up in presenting an idealized version of themselves they ignore the issues the judge cares about most.

If you have wondered, “What do judges look for in child custody cases in Georgia?”, you can ease your anxiety by working with a skilled family law attorney to ensure that you are presenting arguments tailored to the judge’s concerns.

Children’s Well-Being Drives Custody Decisions

Parents sometimes believe that mothers always have an advantage in custody decisions. In fact, the law does not favor either parent but requires family court judges to make custody decisions based on the child’s best interests.

The Official Code of Georgia §19-9-3 directs family court judges to award custody based on the scenario most likely to promote the child’s happiness and welfare. The law advises judges to consider the emotional bonds between each parent and each child and each child and their siblings, stepsiblings, and half-siblings.

The judge will also consider each parent’s physical and mental health, work schedule, and familiarity with each child’s needs and preferences. The judge wants to know that a parent has the time and capacity to meet the child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs. Since a judge will be looking for these things, a Georgia child custody attorney can address these practical concerns in their communications to the court.

The Relationship Between Parents Can Have a Big Impact

Family court judges strive to make custody decisions that shield children from disruption and turmoil to the greatest extent possible. Their decisions often favor the parent who can provide the most stable home and dependable routine.

When both parents can demonstrate that they can provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home, a family court judge may grant both of them substantial time with the children. However, these arrangements are dependent on the parents’ ability to work cooperatively for the children’s benefit. If one parent involves the children in parental disputes or disparages the co-parent to the children, a court may limit that parent’s access to them.

Similarly, when a history of domestic violence raises safety issues, the custody plan will reflect these concerns. A custody order may mandate that exchanges occur at a police station or other public place. If you have concerns about this issue, an attorney on our team can ask a Georgia family court judge to order that the offending parent’s visits with the children be supervised by another responsible adult.

Negotiated Plans Usually Produce the Best Results

One of the most important things family court judges look for when making custody decisions is parents who can work together to support their children. Family court judges look favorably on parents who negotiate a parenting plan and do not rely on the court to make these critical decisions.

When parents determine their custody arrangements, they can have confidence that their parenting plan will be workable for their family. Each parent has a say, and each will be invested in the plan’s success. The Georgia family law professionals on our team can help you and your co-parent negotiate a parenting plan that supports your children’s best interests.

Rely on Our Georgia Attorneys to Know What Judges Look For and Make a Strong Case for Custody

Child custody arrangements impact every aspect of a family’s life. It is important to get them right the first time.

Knowing the answer to “What do judges look for in a child custody case in Georgia?” can make a difference in how you present your arguments. Work with one of our experienced family law attorneys to present your best case for custody.

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What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases in Georgia?

Children’s Well-Being Drives Custody Decisions

The Relationship Between Parents Can Have a Big Impact

Negotiated Plans Usually Produce the Best Results

Rely on Our Georgia Attorneys to Know What Judges Look For and Make a Strong Case for Custody

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