What are my child custody rights in Georgia?

Child custody rights can be granted to parents, grand parents, step parents and other guardians on the discretion of Georgia family court judge. Child custody rights are awarded based on best interest of concerned child. Biological parents are the most favored where child custody is concerned since they are considered to be most suitable guardians of a child. Child custody rights clarify in detail legal and physical custody aspects of the law. Child custody rights also include child support issues wherever applicable.

Child custody can be shared by both mother and father or sometimes primary custody is handed over to one parent. Though previously mothers were the favorite to be awarded sole custody, more recent rulings have taken fathers also into consideration and ruled with best interest of child as the basis. The best interest and welfare of child is assessed by court before passing judgment on the same. Child custody rights can be divided among parents if they desire so and agree to it, and are sure that it will not cause child any harm.

Divorcing parents in Georgia have right to decide on child custody, visitation and support issues. They can do this out of court with help from a mediator who can be court appointed or private. In mediation, a third neutral party helps both parents to come to agreements on issues related to child custody. They need to mutually agree on matters and draw up a parenting plan that would be suitable to both parents and beneficial to child. This mediation initiated agreement has to be submitted in court and approved by presiding judge. The terms stated in agreement is upheld when divorce is finalized.

When there are disputes regarding child custody and parents do not see eye to eye, Georgia family court steps in and determines child custody rights. The court decides the case based on testimonies from child, psychologists, parents and other factors and rules with best interest of child as criteria.

Child custody is primarily, legal, physical, joint and sole. Physical custody deals with whom the child would live with while legal custody gives parent right to decide on matters like education, religion, health care etc for child. Sole custody gives one parent complete legal and physical custody without any visitation rights to non custodial parent. Joint custody gives physical custody to custodial parent with non custodial parent enjoying visitation rights.

Child custody is a very emotional phase in a divorce. The child involved is profoundly affected and so are the parents. A good family law attorney can provide adequate support and representation to parents. Legal counsel from an experienced professional can do wonders for case as well as reduce unpleasantness between warring parties! In divorce cases wherever children are involved, exercising restrain and being compassionate can reduce lot of stress and ill feelings.