Cumming Child Custody Attorney
When getting divorced, one of the most difficult areas to agree upon is child visitation and custody, which can bring up a number of financial and emotional issues.
With the help of the attorneys at Miles Hansford, LLC, in Cumming, you can determine the right custody agreement for your child while maintaining your rights as a parent.
Listed below are the different types of custody and the factors that will be considered when determining custody in divorce cases.
Types of Custody
Custody can refer to both legal and physical custody of a child. Physical custody refers to where a child lives, while legal custody refers to the right to make decisions about a child’s religion, education and other factors in his or her upbringing. Each type of custody may be shared or granted to a single parent, depending on a number of different factors.
Sole Custody
Sole physical custody means that a child will live full time with one parent, and this may occur with sole legal custody or shared legal custody. In situations where one parent has sole custody, visitation agreements may still be made to allow the noncustodial parent to maintain a relationship with his or her children. Child visitations may be supervised or unsupervised.
Joint Custody
When both parents are fit and capable, it is often best to continue shared custody. Joint schedules are generally determined by the child’s needs with consideration of each parent’s work schedules and housing arrangements.
Factors in Full Custody
If you are seeking sole custody in your divorce or separation, you will need to prove that the other parent is unfit due to a drug or alcohol dependency, history of domestic abuse or history of criminal activity. Even in cases where these factors are present, the noncustodial parent may still be granted supervised visits by the court.
In Georgia, child custody decisions are made with the best interests of the child as the primary consideration. The court aims to create a custody arrangement that ensures the child's well-being and maintains a healthy relationship with both parents whenever possible.
Factors Considered:
Several factors influence child custody determinations in Georgia. The court assesses
- each parent's ability to provide a stable home environment
- the child's emotional and developmental needs
- any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. Additionally
- the existing relationship between the child and each parent and their willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent
Mediation and Parenting Plans:
Georgia encourages parents to reach agreements through mediation. If parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court may require them to submit a parenting plan, outlining how they will address the child's needs and allocate responsibilities.
Ultimately, the court's goal is to create a custody arrangement that promotes the child's best interests and provides a stable and supportive environment for their growth and development. Seeking legal advice and representation is crucial for parents navigating child custody proceedings in Georgia.
Custody Modifications
Because a child’s needs will change as he or she gets older, or a parent’s financial or personal circumstances may change, custody modifications can take place well after a divorce is finalized. Child support may also be subject to modifications, as the financial standing of one or both parents can change through time.
For help determining the best custody and visitation arrangements for your family, call Miles Hansford, LLC, at (770) 574-6688 to fill out our online form.
Miles Hansford, LLC
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Kevin J. McDonoughAttorney & PartnerKevin McDonough, a Partner at Miles Hansford, LLC, focuses his practice on three areas of law: Family Law, Business Law, and Wills and Estates. He works closely with his clients to help identify the goals that are most important to them and then applies a ...
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Deborah Anice PittmanAttorney & PartnerDeborah Anice Pittman joined Miles Hansford, LLC in 2016 and is now a Partner in the firm. Her primary practice areas are family law and criminal defense; however, she also handles general civil litigation matters and is a certified civil and family law ...
Brian was sensitive to the fact that this was heartbreaking to a mother and father, as well as informative and very professional. He kept us updated and very educated.
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