Child Custody and Visitation Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
Child Custody Disputes: How do courts decide issues of child custody?
Child Custody Disputes: How do courts decide issues of child custody?
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Well, in Georgia the law really directs courts on how to decide custody disputes. So we have a law with a variety of factors that the court has to take into consideration when determining what is in the best interest of the children.
So overall, the overriding standard is what is in the best interest of the children. So in order to figure that out there’s a lot of factors. What are the incomes of the parties? Does one party have a mental issue? Does one party have a drug issue? Who can provide a caring, loving environment? Who is the parent more willing to make sure the other parent has a good relationship with the children? There’s many factors that the court has to take into consideration and once the court takes all those factors into consideration then they make a decision that they feel is in the best interest of the children.
And, of course, it’s important to note that what you think is best for your children the judge might not think is in the best interest of your children. So it’s really important for you to really think about what you want for your children and how you want your life to look. And if you can reach an agreement that usually is better than leaving it in the hands of a judge who you have never met in your life to determine you and your family’s future for the next 18 years.
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Atlanta, GA family law attorney Regina I. Edwards talks about how to decide custody of a child when parents are separated. She explains that in Georgia, custody disputes are guided by specific laws that outline how courts should make custody determinations. The primary consideration in these cases is the best interest of the children involved. To determine what is in their best interest, the court takes into account various factors.
These factors include the income of the parties, any mental or drug-related issues, the ability to provide a loving and nurturing environment, and the willingness of each parent to facilitate a positive relationship between the children and the other parent. The court carefully considers all these factors before making a decision that it believes is in the best interest of the children.
It’s important to recognize that what you believe is best for your children may not align with the judge’s perspective. Therefore, it is crucial for you to carefully consider your desired outcomes and how you envision your family’s future. If you and the other parent can reach an agreement, it is generally preferable to leaving the decision solely in the hands of a judge who is unfamiliar with your family dynamics. By reaching an agreement, you retain more control over shaping your and your children’s lives for the next 18 years.
