Columbus GA Divorce Lawyer | Georgia Child Custody Attorney

Who Gets Custody Of A Child in A Divorce in Chattahoochee County, GA

A divorce is seldom a completely easy transaction. Divorces are almost always messy. If children are involved, a divorce will be particularly difficult. The issue about who gets child custody in a divorce is often left to the court, as the parties going through the divorce typically cannot come to an agreement by themselves about who is going to get custody. It is vital, therefore, to realize what the factors are for deciding who gets child custody in a divorce.

In Chattahoochee County, GA who gets child custody in a divorce will depend on few characteristics of the parents. The living conditions of each of the parents will be considered, as also income and lifestyle.

The fact of the matter is that, usually, the judge will award legal custody to that parent who has had physical custody of the child. Judges typically do not wish to disrupt a child’s life and routine any more than is needed. There are other factors that the court will consider in deciding who received child custody in a divorce. Major factors like abuse, drug use, illegal activities, or emotional instability may compel a court to consider giving the other parent child custody in the divorce.

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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.

706-494-6900 – www.columbus-divorce.com

Fort Benning GA military divorce lawyer,
GA Uncontested Divorce – GA Contested Divorce – Separation – Spousal Support – Property Division – Alimony – Military Divorce – Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases – Child Custody modification – Child Support Modification – Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.

How Are Child Custody Disputes Resolved in Chattahoochee County, GA

When parents get divorced, there is almost always some dispute involved as regards the custody of the children. In a divorce, both parents are often looking after their own interests more than they are looking after the interests of their children. Therefore, when parties cannot work the child custody arrangement by themselves, it is up to a judge to solve the child custody dispute.

How the court in Chattahoochee County, GA will resolve the child custody issue depends on various things. Overall, the judge is typically supposed to be guided by the idea that the child custody issues should be sorted out in the “best interests” of the child. The judge will usually consider various elements, such as the living conditions of each of the parents, their lifestyles, the emotional stability of the parents, the emotional bonds that have formed between the child and each of the parents, and other relationship-related issues. A judge will also consider if either of the parents will pose a danger to the child. Certainly, when a parent has been convicted of child abuse or endangerment, it is unlikely for that parent to be given custody. Actually, many states have specific regulations that prohibit a parent who has been convicted of such a crime from being granted custody. where a child is old enough, the court may also consider the child’s wishes when considering a child custody dispute. Usually, a child custody dispute will be resolved based on much simpler factors.

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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.

706-494-6900 – www.columbus-divorce.com

Fort Benning GA military divorce lawyer,
GA Uncontested Divorce – GA Contested Divorce – Separation – Spousal Support – Property Division – Alimony – Military Divorce – Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases – Child Custody modification – Child Support Modification – Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.

Columbus, Georgia legal custody

Legal custody in Columbus, Georgia means the ability to make decisions on behalf of the children. It includes everything from choosing the school they attend to the authority to cut their hair. In many lawsuits in Columbus, Georgia , joint legal custody is awarded and both parents have the ability to make decisions. This means that when they disagree on issues like what religion the child will be raised in, they must go to court to settle it.

In a limited number of cases, the judge will decide that one parent must have sole legal custody. Often in such cases, there has been so much disagreement among the parents that it is in the children’s best interest to have just one parent making the decisions.

Child custody lawsuits in Columbus, Georgia also involve visitation. Unsupervised visitation is the general norm and generally includes overnight visits if appropriate. In most of the cases, unsupervised visitation is ordered. There has to be a specific reason for the courts to order anything other than unsupervised visitation.

In instances where there are allegations or proof of abuse, supervised visitation may be ordered. Supervised visitation mandates a monitor be present during the entire visit. In Columbus, Georgia there are some instances when no visitation is allowed since the court determines that any contact with the parent would be harmful to the child.

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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.

706-494-6900 – www.columbus-divorce.com

Fort Benning GA military divorce lawyer,
GA Uncontested Divorce – GA Contested Divorce – Separation – Spousal Support – Property Division – Alimony – Military Divorce – Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases – Child Custody modification – Child Support Modification – Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.

Columbus, Georgia child custody rights

Child custody rights are granted by a court to one or two of the parents, grandparents, step-parents, or legal guardians. In custody battles, the courts usually favor the biological parents.

In Columbus, Georgia custody rights are decided based on the best interests of the children. These rights provide who will have physical and legal custody of the children. The child support payments are decided in custody rights cases.

In Columbus, Georgia the rights to the custody of children may be given to only one parent or legal guardian or be shared by both parents. In several lawsuits, primary custody rights are given to the mother of the child. Fathers are less likely to win custody of their children due to the notion that mothers are better caretakers of children.

In few lawsuits the judge grants joint custody, in which both parents enjoy an equal amount of custody rights over their children. In such child custody arrangement, parents are allowed by the courts to divide for themselves the custody rights as long as there is no neglect or abuse.

Legal custody rights in Columbus, Georgia permits a parent to take major decisions concerning the children’s life including religion, education, and healthcare. Physical custody rights permit a parent stay with the child for good.

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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.

706-494-6900 – www.columbus-divorce.com

Fort Benning GA military divorce lawyer,
GA Uncontested Divorce – GA Contested Divorce – Separation – Spousal Support – Property Division – Alimony – Military Divorce – Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases – Child Custody modification – Child Support Modification – Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.

Columbus, Georgia child custody strategy

If you are planning your child custody strategy for the legal battle in Columbus, Georgia , there are a few useful guidelines that can be taken into consideration. A child custody attorney will also tell you what information that you require represent your case effectively in court. Proper child custody strategy preparation will save you time, money and emotional stress! For planning child custody strategy start by detailing of all your strengths as a parent. Also it is equally necessary to list all your weaknesses being totally truthful about them. You should include details on your financial position, current support from family members, your current employment and career, the stability of the children’s grandparents (your parents), and details of your home environment. While planning your child custody strategy, think about the list from the family court judge’s point of view. The second step in planning child custody strategy is to create a detailed list of your ex spouse’s weaknesses and strengths. This will give you an idea of what you are up against. Discuss all the likely scenarios with your family lawyer about the possible results according to your list. Educate yourself properly. Understand the child custody laws in Columbus, Georgia . Finally prepare a detailed report of what you offer as the best parent.

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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.

706-494-6900 – www.columbus-divorce.com

Fort Benning GA military divorce lawyer,
GA Uncontested Divorce – GA Contested Divorce – Separation – Spousal Support – Property Division – Alimony – Military Divorce – Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases – Child Custody modification – Child Support Modification – Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.

Child custody cases in Columbus, Georgia

Child custody battles amongst parents in a divorce can turn into an all out war, between them, and in many cases even become nasty in the quest to get physical custody of the children. In Columbus, Georgia certain parents resorts to mud slinging against each other in the quest to establish to the courts that they will be the better parent to get the kids. Previously mothers were given physical custody of the children but these days in Columbus, Georgia that is no longer the case with judges giving an equal preference to both parents for child custody if they demonstrate that they will be the best possible choice for the children. During child custody lawsuits between parent’s children are always caught in the middle.

Some parents in Columbus, Georgia have even gone as afar as bribing children to make them say things and even brainwash them thinking that what they are doing is all in the best interest of their children.

Child custody cases require in Columbus, Georgia expert legal advice as well, and a family or child custody law firm. It is important to make sure that you tell your family attorney to regularly inform you of the current costs.

When you pick your child custody or family attorney in Columbus, Georgia you must look at their past track record prior to making your final selection.

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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.

706-494-6900 – www.columbus-divorce.com

Fort Benning GA military divorce lawyer,
GA Uncontested Divorce – GA Contested Divorce – Separation – Spousal Support – Property Division – Alimony – Military Divorce – Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases – Child Custody modification – Child Support Modification – Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.

Columbus, Georgia child custody disputes

Child custody disputes in Columbus, Georgia may be highly complex, and the higher number people fighting for visitation rights; the messier it becomes. Child custody after divorce can becomes a long drawn expensive case. You need expert assistance for child custody after divorce, and this means choosing a family lawyer to help you. Just remember though, the longer and more complex the battle is for child custody after divorce, the more it is going to cost you, and the more it will impact everyone emotionally. If parents are more educated on child custody arrangements, then it would turn out better for all concerned. One factor that should be kept in mind regarding child custody after divorce, is that the judge shall choose the best possible arrangement in the interest of the child
Until a few year back mother child custody has always the favored arrangement given by a court, but this is no longer the case in Columbus, Georgia . In child custody lawsuits, both parents fight to get custody and the parent that establishes them self the most worthy, will be chosen by the judge when they feel the best interests are with that parent. A judge will take into account many factors when awarding physical custody and legal custody like the parents’ jobs, lifestyles, their financial strength, family stability, and new relationship after the divorce if any. Disagreements about child custody after divorce cases may take a while to solve, and parents will resort to mud slinging, to gain favor with the judge.

If there is a lot of conflict between parents about child custody rights, it will impact everyone emotionally, with the children more than everyone else.

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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.

706-494-6900 – www.columbus-divorce.com

Fort Benning GA military divorce lawyer,
GA Uncontested Divorce – GA Contested Divorce – Separation – Spousal Support – Property Division – Alimony – Military Divorce – Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases – Child Custody modification – Child Support Modification – Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.

Columbus, Georgia Child custody terms

When it comes to child custody in Columbus, Georgia , there are various terms that can get thrown around. Usually, it can be very easy to misinterpret what precisely those terms mean. First of all, the term like “custody” has a literal meaning. When you have custody of something, it means that you have physical possession of that thing. However, few parents would talk about their child as being a “possession” in the way that jewelry or a car might be a possession. Custody, as connected with child custody, is a legal term, which has very specific legal meanings and underpinnings and you must be aware of what a phrase like “full child custody” means.

In Columbus, Georgia there are two specific concepts that child custody refers to. The first area that child custody refers to is the concept of legal obligations and rights. Typically unless there is a forceful reason for a judge to rule otherwise, parents will share joint legal custody of their children in a divorce. Both parents have the right and responsibility to make decisions for the child in vital areas such as education, instruction in religion, and health care. When parents have shared or joint legal custody, both parents shall have the full authority to act on the child’s behalf in these areas. When only one parent has full legal custody, then only that parent has the right to make these decisions. However, it is only in rare circumstances, such as if one parent has been convicted of child abuse or endangerment, that there will be sole legal custody.

The second concept that child custody refers to is physical custody. Having full physical custody of a child indicates that the child resides with you a vast majority of the time. But it does not indicate that the non-custodial parent does not see the child, or that the child cannot stay with the non-custodial parent. It simply means that the child lives with you primarily. The non-custodial parent will still often retain joint legal custody even if you have full child custody in the physical area. In addition, the non-custodial parent may still also have specific visitation rights that you must, by law, comply with even though if you have full physical child custody.

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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.

706-494-6900 – www.columbus-divorce.com

Fort Benning GA military divorce lawyer,
GA Uncontested Divorce – GA Contested Divorce – Separation – Spousal Support – Property Division – Alimony – Military Divorce – Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases – Child Custody modification – Child Support Modification – Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act is a statute that was drafted by a commission set up to make the laws of each state be compatible with the laws of the other states. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act was written in 1997, and has been made law by many of the states in the nation including GA. This Act is in force in Columbus, Georgia.

The Act grants jurisdiction over child custody proceedings to the courts in the home state of the child. The home state of the child, as per the Act, is the state that the child lived in with at least one of the parents for six months before child custody was granted. For children under six years old, this is the state that they have lived in since birth.

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act establishes specific methodologies and procedures which decide how child custody cases will find their way into court proceedings. In instances where there is a question concerning where the custody proceedings must take place, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act provides a specific formula for deciding which state has jurisdiction. Besides, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act provides rules for how jurisdiction may change, like when the child and his or her parent or parents have relocated to another state. The Act prohibits other states from interfering in a child custody determination without the original state determining that they no longer should have jurisdiction.

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act also has an emergency order provision in cases when the child is in danger, a state that is not the home state can grant a temporary order.

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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.

706-494-6900 – www.columbus-divorce.com

Fort Benning GA military divorce lawyer,
GA Uncontested Divorce – GA Contested Divorce – Separation – Spousal Support – Property Division – Alimony – Military Divorce – Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases – Child Custody modification – Child Support Modification – Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.

What Kinds Of Child Custody Arrangements Are There In Columbus, Georgia ?

There are various different types of child custody arrangements in Columbus, Georgia. When parents go through a divorce, they have the choice of determining those child custody arrangements on their own. However, in many cases, they are not able to reach an agreeable decision. If this happens, a court will have to determine the child custody arrangement.

There are four basic types of child custody arrangements in Columbus, Georgia . They are joint legal custody, sole legal custody, sole physical custody, and joint physical custody. Whereas the specifics of each kind may differ from one state to the next, they do share few characteristics.

To begin with, there are two types of legal custody arrangements. Legal custody primarily means the rights and responsibilities as they relate to the child and can include things like health, education, and general well-being. Joint legal custody is when both parents have these rights and responsibilities. Joint legal custody requires that the parents should be able to work together with one another for the benefits of the children. It also mandates that the parents submit a detailed plan to the court about how the joint legal custody would work.

The other kind of legal custody arrangement is sole legal custody, in which one parent retains those legal rights and responsibilities. In this kind of custody, the non-custodial parent still still have visitation rights, however has few other rights in regard to the children.

There are also two types of physical custody arrangements. The first one, sole physical custody, is an arrangement in which a parent has the majority of contact with the child, and the child lives exclusively with that parent. In sole physical custody, the non-custodial parent can again still retain visitation rights. With joint physical custody both parents have large amounts of contact with the child.

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The Law office of Scot Sikes handles family law in Columbus GA. Scot Sikes is a Columbus GA divorce lawyer & Georgia child custody attorney.

706-494-6900 – www.columbus-divorce.com

Fort Benning GA military divorce lawyer,
GA Uncontested Divorce – GA Contested Divorce – Separation – Spousal Support – Property Division – Alimony – Military Divorce – Contempt Actions in Divorce Cases – Child Custody modification – Child Support Modification – Child Visitation. Columbus GA Divorce lawyer and uncontested divorce attorney.