Child Custody Lawyer in Marietta / Cobb County

Child custody matters are among the most sensitive and complex issues families face during divorce or separation. At Phyllis Law in Marietta, Georgia, we understand the importance of protecting your parental rights and fostering the best interests of your children throughout the custody process.

In Georgia, child custody decisions are guided by state laws, including Georgia Code Title 19 – Domestic Relations. Our experienced family law attorneys are well-versed in these statutes and will work diligently to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a parent.

Dispelling Misconceptions: “Full Custody” in Georgia

It’s important to clarify a common misconception: the term “full custody” is often misused and misunderstood. In Georgia, family courts do not typically award “full custody” to one parent except in rare and extreme circumstances. Examples of such circumstances may include:

• Cases involving substantiated allegations of abuse or neglect by one parent, where granting custody to the other parent is deemed necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.
• Instances where one parent poses a significant risk of harm to the child due to substance abuse, criminal behavior, or severe mental health issues.
• Situations where one parent has consistently demonstrated a pattern of alienating the child from the other parent, undermining the parent-child relationship and causing emotional harm.

In these exceptional cases, a judge may grant sole custody to one parent, with limited or supervised visitation rights for the other parent, to safeguard the child’s welfare.

Understanding Custody Arrangements in Georgia

In Georgia, child custody is typically categorized into two main types:

• Legal Custody: This refers to the authority to make important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. Legal custody can be joint (shared by both parents) or sole (granted to one parent).
• Physical Custody: This pertains to where the child resides and spends their time on a day-to-day basis. Physical custody arrangements can range from joint physical custody, where the child spends substantial time with both parents, to primary physical custody, where the child primarily resides with one parent and has visitation with the other.

At Phyllis Law, we prioritize the best interests of the child in crafting custody agreements that promote stability, continuity, and meaningful relationships with both parents. We advocate for cooperative co-parenting arrangements whenever possible, emphasizing open communication and flexibility to address the evolving needs of your family.

Navigating Child Custody with Phyllis Law

Whether you’re seeking to establish a custody arrangement, modify an existing order, or resolve disputes related to parenting time and decision-making, our dedicated team is here to provide compassionate guidance and strategic advocacy every step of the way.

Let Phyllis Law be your trusted ally in navigating the complexities of child custody in Georgia. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take proactive steps to protect your children’s future.