Lawrenceville Child Custody Lawyer
Assisting Families Throughout Gwinnett County, Georgia
Are you facing a child custody issue? In today's society, this is a very relevant topic that many parents have to deal with. Problems involving child custody usually result from divorce or
legal separation, thought they can also be due to other life-changing events. It can be very scary knowing that your children might no longer spend time with you as often as you would like them to. Regardless of the reason that you are facing a child custody case, you need an aggressive and knowledgeable attorney who knows how to handle family law matters. At Fox Firm, P.C., our
Lawrenceville divorce attorney is committed to protecting the rights of his clients who have issues with child custody. He understands that there are usually high emotions involved with these types of cases and that this can be an extremely frustrating time for you.
There are multiple types of child custody, and the type that is granted will be determined by a judge in a court. Physical custody determines which parent is responsible for the day-to-day care of the child. This type of custody usually determines where the child will live. Legal custody determines which parent has the authority to make long-term decisions about raising the child, such as decisions about education or medical care. A judge can decide to grant sole custody or joint custody, meaning either one parent will have all the custody rights or the parents will share them. Even if a judge decides that a child will live with only one parent, the other parent (or the "noncustodial parent") could still receive visitation rights, or the right to spend time with the child. Child custody can be a factor in determining which parent will end up paying
child support and how much will be paid.
Once a child is the age of 14 or older, the state of Georgia allows that child to choose which parent with which he or she will live. This selection will be honored unless it is determined that the child's choice is not in his or her best interest. A child age 14 or older can also change this selection once every two years.
How Child Custody is Determined
When a judge makes a child custody decision in Georgia, he or she can consider various factors in order to make a decision in the best interests of the child, according to Georgia law. According to according to O.C.G.A. §19-9-3 (2012), these can include:
- The emotional bond between the child and each parent
- The emotional bond between the child and siblings, half-siblings and/or stepsiblings (and their residence)
- Each parent's ability for providing the child with love, affection, guidance, and continuing education and child-rearing
- Each parent's knowledge of the child's needs
- Each parent's ability to provide the child's basic needs, such as food, clothing and medical care
- Each parent's home environment (taking nurturance and safety into account)
These are just a few of the factors that can be used in granting child custody. There are many other factors that can also come into account, such as the parents' mental and physical health and their previous performance in carrying out their parental duties. Issues of domestic violence will also play a major deciding factor in child custody, along with visitation rights.
Working With a Compassionate and Experienced Attorney
Child custody is a sensitive issue. At Fox Firm, P.C., we are committed to providing you with compassionate care and effective representation when we handle your child custody case in the state of Georgia. We can also provide you with assistance if you are trying to receive a change of custody. When Attorney Douglas N. Fox handles your case, he will make sure that the court is fully aware of your concerns regarding the wellbeing of your child.
Fox Firm, P.C. can provide you with the level of dedication and attorney experience that you deserve. Mr. Fox has been practicing family law in the state of Georgia for more than 16 years, so he knows how to appropriately take action for those he represents. Contact our firm immediately so we can help you determine the best course of action for your child custody case.