North Atlanta, Marietta and Roswell Parenting Time Lawyer
If you have children, the most important issue in your divorce will be protecting the best interests of your children. Your children really do come first, emotionally and legally.
My name is Jeffrey S. Williams. I am an attorney who handles child custody cases for families in North Atlanta, including Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta and surrounding counties.
Legal Custody and Physical Custody in Georgia
After a divorce, determining the parent to have primary physical custody of the children is one of the most difficult decisions a couple can decide upon. Primary physical custody is the set of parental responsibilities regarding day-to-day care in addition to the rights to direct the child's daily activities, while legal custody is the set of rights and responsibilities regarding the child's upbringing.
In Georgia, child custody and visitation are called parenting time. A typical parenting time arrangement plan may give one parent primary residential custody while the other has visitation one night during the week, alternate weekends, alternate holidays and a longer period of time on school breaks. However, many arrangements are possible, from 50-50 joint custody to sole custody for one parent.
We routinely work with child psychologists, parenting coordinators, guardian ad litem and other mental health professions to develop parenting plans which are in the best interests of the children. Ideally, an agreement can be made without the need of court intervention. The agreement reached by the parties (either with the assistance of a mediator, the parties respective attorneys or by the parties alone) can then be incorporated into a court order.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on a child custody and visitation arrangement, Georgia courts will appoint a guardian ad litem, who will make a recommendation to the court. A guardian ad litem is a person who will represent the best interests of your children.
To the court, child custody is about the best interest of the children, not what you or your spouse may want. As your lawyer, I will advise you on how you should talk to the guardian ad litem. If you talk about what is best for your child and present appropriate facts, your chances of success are much higher. If you talk about what you want, you may not be successful.
Child custody modification: Child custody can be modified after divorce if there is a significant change that affects the best interests of your child.
For More Information About Child Custody
For more information or to schedule a consultation with me, Alpharetta child custody attorney Jeffrey S. Williams, call 770-884-4053 or fill out the contact form on this website.
