Types of Custody in Marietta
Parents who live apart must decide how to share child-raising responsibilities. A family court judge will make these decisions for them if they cannot agree on a parenting plan. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand the types of custody in Marietta and prepare for this process.
Our Atlanta Divorce Law Group team has extensive experience guiding parents through child custody negotiations. We help families develop parenting plans that meet legal requirements while safeguarding their children’s welfare.
Understanding Legal and Physical Custody
Understanding the distinction between legal and physical custody is pivotal when learning about the different kinds of child custody in Marietta. Legal custody authorizes parents to make important decisions for their children, including:
- School enrollment and education plans
- Health care and medical treatment
- Religious instruction and activities
- Extracurricular and developmental programs
Georgia courts usually grant joint legal custody, enabling both parents to collaborate on major decisions. If cooperation is difficult, one parent may have the final say in decision-making
Physical custody determines where the children live and who provides for them. Primary physical custody makes one parent responsible for providing the child’s main home, while the other parent receives visitation rights. A skilled family law attorney from our firm can help you decide the best custody arrangement for your children’s needs and your parenting goals.
Common Custody Arrangements
According to Code of Georgia Annotated § 19-9-3, a judge cannot favor one parent over the other on the basis of gender or income. In order to determine the arrangement that best supports the children’s interests, a judge must evaluate all relevant factors. You should understand the potential effects on parents and their children of various kinds of custody arrangements available to Marietta parents.
Under a shared custody arrangement, both parents alternately provide homes for their children. This could mean alternating weekends or dividing the week between households. Shared custody allows for the active involvement of both parents in their children’s lives.
A judge may award joint physical custody to parents who cooperate effectively, which allows the children to spend roughly equal time with each parent. This arrangement requires consistency and strong communication to ensure that both homes provide for the children’s needs.
A court may award sole physical or legal custody to one parent if the other cannot provide a safe or stable environment because of substance abuse, domestic violence, or mental health issues. The noncustodial parent frequently retains visitation rights, which the court may supervise if necessary for the children’s safety.
What Is in the Best Interests of the Child?
In Marietta, every type of custody decision must consider the children’s best interests. State law presumes that children benefit from meaningful relationships with both parents, unless there is evidence to the contrary.
A court may appoint a guardian ad litem or custody evaluator to examine the situation if parents disagree. Our team can help you prepare by organizing documents and demonstrating your commitment to your children’s emotional and physical welfare.
We are aware of the challenges of custody disputes. Our attorneys can resolve these disputes by working closely with you to promote stability and support your family’s future.
Speak With an Attorney in Marietta About the Types of Custody Available
You can protect your family’s well-being by understanding the types of custody in Marietta. Our skilled family law attorneys are ready to guide you through your custody proceedings.
At the Atlanta Divorce Law Group, we approach each case professionally and compassionately. We can help explain your options, advocate for your rights, and develop a parenting plan tailored to your children’s needs. Call us to schedule a consultation with a member of our team today and discover how we can help your family move forward.
