Choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference when it comes to child custody matters. J.G. Boyd Law, LLC is committed to guiding you through this challenging time, focusing on achieving outcomes that support your child’s well-being. With years of experience in Georgia family law, our child custody lawyers bring compassion and strategic thinking to every case.
Contact us to schedule a consultation with a dedicated child custody attorney. At J.G. Boyd Law, LLC, we advocate for your rights as a parent and help secure the future your child deserves.
Navigating a child custody case is not only emotionally challenging but also legally complex. The decisions made during this time will shape your child’s future and your role in their life. That’s why working with an experienced child custody lawyer in Atlanta who understands the legal system and the personal stakes involved is crucial.
At J.G. Boyd Law, LLC, our team of child custody attorneys brings a deep understanding of Georgia family law to every case. We recognize that no two custody cases are alike, and our experience allows us to adapt our approach to the unique needs of each client. Whether you’re entering a custody dispute or seeking to modify an existing order, we do more than just litigate; we negotiate where possible, helping our clients work towards their desired goals.
Co-parenting can be challenging, but it becomes much more manageable when both parents focus on what truly matters—the well-being of the child—rather than getting caught up in each other’s personal lives. Successful co-parenting requires both parties to set aside their differences and prioritize the child’s needs above all else.
When beginning a child custody case, it’s essential to understand the different types of custody and how they may apply to your situation. In Georgia, there are two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Each type is critical in determining how major decisions and parenting time with your child are shared between parents.
Physical custody refers to where your child will live. This type of custody determines the child’s primary residence and outlines visitation rights for the non-custodial parent. In Georgia, physical custody is not automatically granted based on gender. Instead, a judge will carefully consider various factors, such as each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment, before deciding who will have physical custody.
Legal custody pertains to the decision-making authority over major aspects of the child’s life, including education, medical care, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. Parents with legal custody have the right to make important decisions that affect their child’s welfare. Parents may sometimes share joint legal custody, meaning they must communicate in an effort to agree on these major decisions. In other instances, one parent may be granted sole legal custody, giving them the final say in these matters.
J.G. Boyd Law, LLC is a dedicated family law firm based in Decatur, Georgia, serving the greater Atlanta area. Founded by Joanna G. Boyd, the firm is committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal services, particularly in matters involving divorce, child custody, and other family law issues.
Child custody issues can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the emotional and legal complexities involved. At J.G. Boyd Law, LLC, we offer comprehensive support across various aspects of child custody, ensuring that your rights as a parent or guardian are protected while prioritizing the best interests of the child.
Your child’s well-being is too important to leave to chance. At J.G. Boyd Law, LLC, we understand the emotional and legal complexities of child custody cases and are committed to guiding you through every step.
Our experienced child custody lawyers in Atlanta are here to listen to your concerns, provide clear and compassionate advice, and advocate fiercely for your rights and your child’s best interests. Schedule a consultation today to start building a custody plan that works for your family.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our child custody lawyer and attorney services, check out the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
Custody decisions are not based on gender and are solely determined by what is in the best interest of the child. When possible, it is most beneficial if both parties work together with the child’s best interests in mind.
In Georgia, child custody laws require that a judge consider a number of factors that may impact the child’s best interests, such as each parent’s home environment, their capacity to care for and nurture the child, each parent’s physical and mental health, and their emotional attachment to the child. The statute lists several other factors, and sometimes, there are circumstances that do not fall under the statutory factors but are still considered.
If paternity is established, the court may require the father to provide child support, but this does not necessarily guarantee visitation rights, parenting time, or custody. The court also does not “force” either parent to exercise their parenting time. Adversely, one can be held accountable for not allowing court-ordered parenting time.
Generally, biological fathers possess legal rights to the child they helped conceive, which may not seem fair to a single mother who received no assistance from the father; however, this is enforced by the law. When an adoption has taken place, the biological father’s parental rights are terminated, so he no longer possesses them.
GA Code § 19-9-3 specifies that children who have reached the age of 14 can choose the parent they prefer to live with primarily. After making this choice, the child must sign an Affidavit of Election and present it to the court. A child can sign an Affidavit of Election as early as the age of 11, and this will be taken into consideration.
The court typically prefers to keep children out of the litigation process when possible.
It is uncommon for children to testify in court during divorce or custody proceedings in Georgia, but it is not impossible. Typically, the child meets privately with the judge in chambers instead of testifying in open court. In rare cases, the child may be required to testify in open court.
