Child custody can feel like a tough challenge for parents, particularly when trying to ensure the child’s well-being comes first. Understanding how the law treats custody can make a substantial difference in planning a stable future for your family.
Types of custody
Georgia courts recognize two main types of custody. The first is legal custody, which involves the right to make key decisions. The key decisions for this type of custody are those major life decisions, like those that relate to a child’s health, education, religious upbringing, etc.
The second is physical custody. This type of custody concerns where the child lives and who provides day-to-day care.
Joint versus sole arrangements
Courts can split or share both forms of custody known as joint versus sole arrangements. In a joint arrangement, both parents share legal and/or physical responsibilities. For healthy parental relationship families, this encourages both parents to stay involved in the child’s life.
Conversely, a sole arrangement places legal or physical custody with one parent. However, for sole arrangements, there must be a significant reason to limit parents’ rights, like if the other parent cannot provide a stable, safe home for the child, like when there is evidence of abuse.
Factors courts consider
Like most, if not all state family courts, when making child custody decisions, courts focus on the child’s best interests. Judges look at each parent’s mental and physical health, the child’s emotional and educational needs and the stability each parent can offer, among other factors.
In some cases, depending on age and maturity, the child’s preference may count. And, any record of abuse, violence or substance misuse could heavily influence a judge’s decision.
Parenting plans
Parents in Georgia must submit a parenting plan detailing custody arrangements, decision-making authority and how disputes will be managed. The court reviews this plan to ensure it serves the child’s best interests. The goal is to create a framework that helps both parents cooperate, reduces conflict and gives the child consistency.
Child custody in Savannah is about balancing the child’s needs with the rights and abilities of each parent. With a clear understanding of the legal approach and open communication, parents can work together to create an environment that truly supports their child’s future.