Protecting Your Parental Rights And Your Child’s Best Interests

Determining child custody is one of the most sensitive and crucial aspects of a family law case. All parents want what’s best for their child, but their ideas of what’s best can differ radically. As a result, determining custody can be highly contentious.

It’s crucial in any custody situation to work with a lawyer who has extensive knowledge of Georgia custody laws. I am attorney Anna Perry, and I have the compassion and legal knowledge necessary to fight for your parental rights and safeguard your child’s best interests.

Defining Different Types Of Child Custody

Under family law statutes, Georgia divides custody into two main categories:

• Legal custody: Refers to the right to make significant decisions regarding your child’s upbringing, including education, health care and religious instruction
• Physical custody: Determines with whom the child will live and the logistics of daily child care

Furthermore, courts designate custody as either:

• Sole: One parent retains the majority of or all custody rights.
• Joint: Both parents share custody rights in a more balanced approach.

Georgia courts typically award joint custody so both parents can maintain a strong and loving bond with their child. However, parenting time may not be 50/50.

In some cases, judges award sole custody if they deem one parent unfit due to reasons such as addiction, abuse or an inability to provide for the child.

Determining The Child’s Best Interests

If you and the other parent can’t agree on a custody arrangement, Georgia courts will determine what’s best for your child. Among the factors judges consider are:

• The love, affection and emotional ties between the parents and the child
• The capacity of each parent to provide food, clothing, medical care and day-to-day needs
• The stability of the family unit
• The mental and physical health of each parent
• Each parent’s involvement in the child’s educational, social and extracurricular activities
• The child’s preference, depending on their age and maturity

While you and the other parent can propose a custody agreement, the court must approve it to ensure that the child’s welfare is protected.

Navigating Changes And Relocation

Sometimes, circumstances may change for the child or one or both parents, which may call for modifying the original child custody order. Possible reasons for a modification include one parent’s desire to relocate, lifestyle changes for either parent or concerns for the child’s safety and well-being.

Even if the parent requesting the modification wants to move to another state for a better-paying job, they must prove to the court that it is in the child’s best interest. I am devoted to asserting your parental rights while protecting your child’s welfare.

Grandparents And Visitation Rights

When grandparents fight for the right to see their grandkids, it’s a big deal. As an experienced family law attorney, I know how important family is. Sometimes parents don’t see eye to eye with grandparents, and it can cause a lot of stress. I will advocate for why you should be part of your grandchild’s life and present your case clearly, focusing on the love and care you have for your grandkids.

Experienced Support For Your Child Custody Case

Child custody matters are complex and emotionally taxing, compounding the pain of going through a divorce or separation. As a compassionate and skilled Georgia child custody attorney with over a decade of experience, I will support you at every step.

To discuss how I can help, call Anna Perry Law, LLC at 770-450-5809 or email me to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to find a solution that protects your parental rights and focuses on your child’s needs.