Divorce proceedings can be complex and overwhelming even when both parties agree about most of the issues involved. When a divorcing couple has children, the determination of custody and child support obligations can quickly become one of the most contentious issues at the focal point of the proceedings.
In cases involving divorce for families with minor children in Buckhead, family courts often favor arrangements where both parents share custody. You need a skilled attorney who can help you navigate any challenges that may arise during your divorce, including custody matters. Our team can work diligently to pursue your preferred result while negotiating a parenting plan that preserves your interests.
Child custody is a critical element in many divorce cases. Whether you are facing a contested divorce with your former spouse or have a broadly amicable, uncontested divorce case, you should still have an attorney help draft, negotiate, and finalize your parenting plan.
As is true in other states, Georgia family courts recognize two primary types of custody: physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody concerns where your child lives and the periods of time in which your child is either in your care or that of your former spouse.
Legal custody indicates the authority to make key decisions about your child’s life. A parent who is granted legal custody can make a range of determinations related to the child’s upbringing, such as where the child goes to school, where and how the child receives medical care, the nature of the child’s education, and other decisions that directly impact the child’s daily life.
Parents who are granted legal custody also have the right to receive private information, such as details about their child’s medical treatment or academic information. Physical and legal custody can be shared or held solely by one parent, and many parents share both.
Families facing divorce in Buckhead who have minor children should know that the best interest test will be the deciding factor in custody determinations. This means that the Georgia family court will weigh any proposed parenting plan or court order against your child’s interests when deciding to approve or deny a custody arrangement.
Georgia family courts do not favor the mother over the father or vice versa when determining child custody. The courts are expected to act neutrally and instead focus on what best serves your child’s interests. If you are going through a divorce with minor children in Buckhead, it is also possible to settle your entire custody case without going to court.
Developing your parenting plan is one of the most crucial elements of a child custody case. An attorney can provide the in-depth analysis, guidance, and support you need to deal with your situation’s unique facts and issues.
Numerous factors could impact a judge’s decision to approve or deny a parenting plan. The judge might consider each parent’s bond with the children, the child’s age and development needs, and the living environment each parent can provide to the child. Other essential factors can include each parent’s willingness to foster the child’s relationship with the other, the child’s preference, and the extent of each parent’s involvement in the child’s life.
The benefits of an attorney helping with divorce for families with minor children in Buckhead are significant. The processes involved in legal matters like child custody and support can result in an emotionally charged situation.
An attorney can act as your legal voice throughout these proceedings while bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to your case. Our firm can formulate a plan of action to address all child custody and other concerns in your divorce case while acting as the neutral third party you need to seek the most favorable outcome. Contact the Atlanta Divorce Law Group today to discuss your case with a member of our legal team.