Child Custody

Can I Modify My Child Custody Arrangement Without Going to Court in Georgia?

Oftentimes, co-parents decide to make changes to their child custody arrangements. For example, a parent might accept a new job that changes when they can exercise visitation. Another example might be a change in the child’s schedule that necessitates making changes to which parent takes care of the child each day. Informal changes to a… read more

What Is an Ex Parte Custody Order in Georgia and When Do You Need One?

If you and your child’s other parent do not live together or decide to separate or divorce, you must file a petition asking for custody. Without a formal custody order, both parents retain their rights regarding the child. A court is the only entity that can modify or revoke a parent’s legal rights. In most… read more

What Is a Custodial Parent?

Generally, the custodial parent is the parent who lives with the child and has physical custody of the child. In other words, the parent is the child’s primary caregiver. Noncustodial parents typically have visitation and timesharing arrangements with the child. In Georgia, parents can share custody of a child or have sole custody. When the… read more

What’s the Difference Between Legal Custody and Physical Custody?

There are two types of custody in Georgia: legal and physical. What are the differences? They sound similar, but there are key distinctions you need to be aware of. These differences apply to your rights as well as the responsibilities you have to your children. Legal Custody Legal custody gives you the right to make… read more

Is My Ex-Spouse Allowed to Take Our Child Out of the Country?

Going through a divorce is never easy, and it’s even more emotional when you have a child. Even after the divorce process is over, you still have to interact with your ex-spouse. You will likely have to work together to make major decisions for your child.  But what if your ex-spouse wants to take your… read more

How to Request a Psychological Evaluation in Your Child Custody Case

Georgia law gives judges the authority to order a psychological evaluation in child custody cases. Judges make custody decisions based on a child’s best interest. However, a psychological evaluation provides vital information that helps the judge decide custody matters in some cases. Interested parties may request a psychological evaluation in a custody case, including either… read more

Can You Kidnap Your Own Child in Georgia?

Yes, under certain circumstances, you can kidnap your own child in Georgia. Parental kidnapping is a common form of child abduction, especially in disputed custody battles. A parent can be prosecuted for parental kidnapping if they take their child from the other parent without legal custody or a court order. A parent may kidnap their… read more

How Can a Father Get Full Custody of Their Child in Georgia?

Child custody laws are changing. When parents disagreed over a custody arrangement in the past, the law favored the mother. It was assumed that a mother was the primary caretaker and better fit to care for the child’s well-being.  This is no longer the case. Child custody laws have increasingly moved toward viewing both parents… read more

How Can I Prove Parental Alienation?

Divorce is a high-stress situation. Throw a child into the mix and things can get heated. Of course, no one wants a disagreement between parents to affect a child. But when emotions run high, a child can get caught in the middle of a custodial dispute and become traumatized. One common issue in divorce is… read more

What Do I Need to Do to Prove Parental Alienation in Lawrenceville, Georgia?

Some parents will do almost anything to win a custody case, including turning their children against their other parent. Unfortunately, the children suffer the most when they are used as weapons and pawns in a battle between their parents. What is Parental Alienation? Parental alienation describes the act of one parent turning the child against… read more