GEORGIA CHILD CUSTODY

Navigating child custody and visitation can be overwhelming, especially when emotions run high and your child’s future is at stake. Georgia courts decide custody based on the “best interests of the child,” carefully evaluating each family’s unique circumstances rather than favoring one parent automatically. At Jaffe Family Law, we help parents across Georgia understand their rights, explore their options, and develop custody arrangements that support stability, cooperation, and their child’s long-term well-being.

Georgia recognizes two primary types of custody: legal custody, which involves decision-making authority over matters such as education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities, and physical custody, which determines where the child lives day to day. Either type may be awarded as joint or sole custody, depending on what best serves the child. While joint custody is common, courts typically designate one parent as the primary physical custodian. Factors considered include each parent’s ability to meet the child’s emotional and physical needs, the stability of each home, the child’s adjustment to school and community, and each parent’s willingness to encourage a healthy relationship with the other parent.

Parents in Georgia are also required to submit a Parenting Plan outlining custody schedules, visitation, decision-making authority, and methods for resolving disputes. Visitation allows the noncustodial parent meaningful time with the child, often through structured schedules involving weekends, holidays, and school breaks. In situations involving safety concerns such as substance abuse or family violence, the court may order supervised visitation to protect the child while preserving parental relationships. Custody and visitation orders are not permanent and may be modified if a substantial change in circumstances occurs, such as relocation, changing financial conditions, or evolving needs of the child.

Unmarried parents face additional considerations, particularly for fathers, who must complete the legitimation process to establish legal rights to custody or visitation. Georgia law also allows children age 14 or older to express a custodial preference, though the judge retains final authority. When relocation is involved, the custodial parent must provide notice, and the court will evaluate how the move affects the child’s relationship with both parents. These cases can be legally complex, making experienced representation essential.

Jaffe Family Law proudly represents parents throughout the entire state of Georgia, serving every Georgia county. Whether you are pursuing custody, negotiating visitation, creating a parenting plan, or seeking a modification, our experienced Georgia family law attorneys are here to advocate for you and your child. Contact Jaffe Family Law today to schedule a confidential FREE consultation and take the next step toward protecting your parental rights and your child’s future.

CALL FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY (678) 358-5291
EMAIL JAFFE FAMILY LAW ABOUT YOUR GEORGIA CUSTODY CASE: ADAM@ATLANTATRIALLAWYERSGROUP.COM

JAFFE FAMILY LAW PROVIDES REPRESENTATION IN ALL GEORGIA COUNTIES, STATEWIDE.