Child Custody Lawyer
If you are in the process of separation or have recently divorced, you need expert legal assistance. There are many issues that need to be resolved before you can agree to a final divorce settlement. These may include the disposition of property you owned before your marriage, any assets you may have acquired during the marriage, and – most crucial of all – the custody of your children.
Don’t Go to Divorce Court Without a Qualified Lawyer
Before you proceed any further along the road to divorce, you need to contact a family law attorney in Dallas GA. This is the strong ally you need to represent your case in court. Your lawyer will help you make the most compelling case as to why you should sole or majority custody of your children.
A family law attorney in Dallas GA can help you resolve any financial issues related to the custody of your children in your favor. If you require financial or other forms of assistance from your former spouse, your lawyer will make the case for this in court.
It’s never a good idea to try to represent yourself in divorce court. You can be sure that your former spouse has hired a qualified divorce trial attorney to represent them. This lawyer will be skilled at getting you to contradict your own testimony or even incriminate yourself.
Custody Disputes and Parenting Challenges in Georgia
When parents no longer live together, determining where a child should live and who makes key decisions isn’t always simple. Georgia courts take these matters seriously and examine what arrangement serves the child’s well-being. Judges may award joint or sole decision-making authority and decide where the child will spend most of their time. Every case is different, and the court will review factors such as the emotional bond between parent and child, each parent’s stability, and the ability to provide day-to-day care.
If you’re involved in a custody dispute in Georgia, working with a child custody lawyer who understands how local judges interpret these factors can be a real advantage. Whether you’re trying to establish a new agreement or protect your role in your child’s life, the right legal strategy can make a measurable difference in the outcome.
When Custody Arrangements No Longer Work
Sometimes, what worked during the initial court order no longer fits the family’s needs. A parent may move, work schedules may change, or concerns may arise about a child’s safety or well-being. Georgia courts allow for changes to custody, but only when there’s a significant shift in circumstances that directly affects the child.
Parents who need to adjust custody must show why the change is necessary and how it supports the child’s best interests. If you’re facing this situation, having a child custody attorney can help ensure your request is presented clearly, with substantial supporting evidence. It’s not just about paperwork—it’s about protecting your role as a parent.
Setting Schedules and Managing Parenting Time
Even when one parent has primary custody, the other usually has the right to spend time with the child. In Georgia, the law favors ongoing involvement from both parents when possible. Parenting time schedules are detailed in a parenting plan. These plans must include arrangements for school weeks, holidays, vacations, and how parents will communicate.
Creating a clear, workable plan helps prevent confusion and conflict. If you need help drafting or revising one, a child custody lawyer can guide you through what the court expects, how to avoid vague terms, and how to structure a plan that reflects your child’s routine.
Custody Issues for Unmarried Parents
Custody and visitation aren’t limited to divorcing couples. Unmarried parents in Georgia often face different legal steps to establish parental rights. Fathers who haven’t taken steps to recognize their relationship with a child legally may have trouble gaining custody or visitation. In these cases, the first step is often a legitimation action.
Once the legal relationship is established, the court can address parenting time and decision-making. If you’re in this position, a child custody attorney can help you take the proper steps to secure your parental rights while ensuring the court understands your role in your child’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Georgia define legal and physical custody?
Legal custody covers decision-making authority; physical custody is where the child lives.
Can custody arrangements be changed later?
Yes, but only if there’s been a substantial change in the child’s needs or a parent’s circumstances.
Do I need to prove the other parent is unfit?
Not always. The court looks at what’s best for the child, even when both parents are capable.
What if the parenting plan isn’t being followed?
The court can enforce or modify the order if the other parent isn’t complying.
What about custody if we were never married?
A father must establish paternity and seek a court order for custody or visitation.
Can grandparents request time with a child?
Yes, in certain situations. They’ll need to show that contact benefits the child’s well-being.
Contact the Law Offices of William R. Pike Today
Don’t let a fast-talking attorney make you look bad in front of a judge. Hire an expert lawyer who can handle your case and get you the best possible outcome.
Contact the Law Offices of William R. Pike to get the expert legal representation that will win you the custody of your children. Get in touch with us today in order to learn what we can do to help win your case.
