Child Custody Lawyers serving Serving The North Georgia Area to include Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Barrow County, Dawson County & Jackson County
Divorcing couples often disagree on objectives for child custody and visitation responsibilities for each spouse. Whether the divorce is uncontested or as complicated as a high-asset complex divorce, appropriate levels of access to the child or children you love can complicate the process of legally ending a marriage.
The child custody lawyers at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland LLP can assist with the creation of a parenting plan that suits your family’s specific, unique needs. We have more than 200 years of combined experience, comprehensive command of Georgia family law and a tradition of attentive personal service dedicated to “the best interest of the child.”
We understand your concern about the financial and emotional impact that divorce will have on your life. You should also be committed to making the right decisions for your children. We listen carefully as you describe your situation and offer solid recommendations designed to address your problems in practical, lasting ways.
We help individuals, families, couples and fathers seeking parental rights through legitimation to determine custody responsibilities, including split custody arrangements, and visitation schedules for children. If a child relocation is necessary due to remarriage or a business or military transfer for a parent requires a modification of custody, visitation and child support, our full-service family law firm can help.
We invite you to discuss your goals, wishes, questions and concerns regarding child custody and visitation considerations with an experienced divorce lawyer. The sooner you deal with these issues, the sooner your family can move on to a brighter future.
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Eric j. tatum
Partner
Amy carter
Partner
The Factors Considered in Awarding Child Custody
The court will only do what it deems to be in the best interests of the child when it comes to awarding custody. When making this important determination, a presiding judge will consider a multitude of factors, including just some of the following:
- The length of time in which a child has resided in their current home and the overall stability of this environment.
- The respective strengths of parent-child bonds.
- The level of parental involvement in the child’s life.
- The physical and mental health of both parents.
- The ability of each parent to meet the child’s need as they relate to things like food, clothing, medical care and education.
- The history of criminal activity, family violence or substance abuse.
- Sole custody.
Although courts typically follow a pattern of awarding physical custody to one parent and legal custody to both parents, there can be exceptions to this rule. Indeed, a judge may determine that it is in the best interests of the child for one parent to be awarded sole custody, meaning they are vested with sole authority to make decisions on behalf of the child. The only exception to this being the sorts of everyday decisions that naturally arise during the course of visitation with the other parent.
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I was referred to Kathryn Clark after being served with custody papers. I was scared and confused of the laws and rules. She always kept me at ease, was honest and realistic with all her answers. She also always responded in a timely manner. She and Beth made me feel like myself and my daughter were always in good hands. The case was resolved, and I was incredibly happy with the outcome. I would recommend this law firm. Both myself and my sister have now gone to them for help, and we would do it again.
