Northwest Georgia Child Custody Attorneys Putting You And Your Children First
As a parent, your children are understandably your top priority in any family law matter. At Penland, Romans & Rayburn Law Firm, GP, our experienced attorneys share your concerns. They are compassionate advocates who are ready to protect your parental rights and the best interests of your children, whether at the negation table or the courtroom.
How Child Custody Works In Georgia
In Georgia, child custody is divided into legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody is simply the authority to make decisions on behalf of your children regarding matters like religious upbringing, health care and education. Physical custody refers to where the child resides on a daily basis. Custody can be awarded solely to one parent, shared equally between both parents or shared unequally. When physical custody is allocated unequally, the parent with a greater share of time is considered the custodial parent.
Parents have the option to create a parenting plan (child custody agreement) together, which can then be submitted to the court for approval. This collaborative approach often results in a more detailed agreement that better reflects the unique needs of all family members. However, if parents cannot agree, a judge will make the final decision based on what is in the child’s best interests. The court considers various factors, such as the child’s age, the emotional ties with each parent and each parent’s capacity to meet the child’s needs.
Regardless of whether you plan to reach a negotiated agreement or resolve a custody dispute through litigation, our child custody lawyers will work tirelessly to safeguard your parental rights and ensure the well-being of your child. Our attorneys also assist clients with more complex custody and visitation issues like paternity and legitimation (to establish fathers’ rights) and grandparents’ rights matters.
What If Custody Needs To Be Modified?
Changes in life circumstances may necessitate a revision of the current custody arrangement. In Georgia, custody orders can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued. Examples include a parent’s relocation, changes in the needs of the child or concerns about the child’s welfare due to parental drug or alcohol abuse.
If you believe a modification is needed, or if you are opposing a proposed modification, our child custody lawyers can help gather the necessary evidence and craft a compelling argument to present to a judge.
Our Diverse Legal Experience Is Your Advantage
Legal issues rarely exist in isolation, and family law matters are no exception. The manner in which your child custody issue is resolved will likely have an impact on other areas of your life. As a team of true general practice attorneys, our lawyers can help you understand these connections, answer your questions and provide additional legal services. Clients often ask questions like:
- Is split custody the norm in Georgia, or should I be seeking sole custody?
- How will the custodial arrangement impact my child support obligations?
- I was falsely accused of domestic violence. Can the same attorney help me address criminal charges and advocate for my fair share of child custody?
- Do I need to make updates to my estate plan once the divorce and custody proceedings have concluded?
- If I get remarried, is it possible for my new spouse to adopt my children?
There is no need to shop around at different law firms. Our attorneys can help you with these and many other legal concerns.
Discuss Your Child Custody Concerns With Our Experienced Attorneys
From offices in Ringgold and Dalton, Penland, Romans & Rayburn Law Firm, GP, serves clients throughout Northwest Georgia. If you’re facing a child custody issue, we invite you to discuss your concerns with one of our lawyers during an initial consultation. Just call 706-842-9137 or reach out online. When you pay the $100 consultation fee, this is taken off of the over all retainer quoted by the attorneys. Not necessarily waived.