Savannah Child Custody Lawyer
Custody Attorneys Helping Protect Your Child's Best Interests
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Some of the most important decisions to be made during the divorce process involve children. It is one of the unfortunate facts that, when parents split, children are often the ones who are the most impacted. Because of this, it is the duty of family law courts in the State of Georgia to ensure that child custody orders always favor the best interests of the child.
The law team at Johnson Kraeuter, LLC in Savannah, GA will fight to protect your relationship with your child.
Family Law Attorneys for Child Custody in Savannah
The type of lawyer that handles child custody practices many different areas of family law. Skilled family attorneys are highly experienced representing clients with family matters for instance, your spouse decides to file for a divorce while you both have to negotiate child custody, visitation, child support and alimony concerns.
Criteria for Determining Parental Fitness in Savannah
The judge in Savannah GA will order a child custody evaluation. A professional evaluator will be brought in to further examine various aspects of the case and make a recommendation to the court. In addition to finding a parent unfit because of substance abuse or abuse or neglect towards a child, Savannah family court also consider the conduct of both parents during the marriage, and the impact of parental behavior on the child.
Can Unmarried Father Take Child From Mother in Georgia?
In Georgia, an unmarried father has no legal rights to his child unless he files a judicial petition for legitimation. The mother of a child born out of wedlock has all legal rights to custody of the children.
What Age Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in Georgia?
A child can choose which parent to live with at 14 or older in Georgia. However, considering the child's choice is presumptive, the court will usually grant the child's request unless the court finds that it would not be in the child's best interests to do so.
The court will consider the child's wishes for children between the ages of 11 and 14, but it is not required to follow the child's choice. Instead, the court will consider several factors when deciding about custody, including the child's age, maturity, and wishes; the parents' fitness to be parents; and the child's relationship with each parent.
If you are going through a custody battle in Savannah, Georgia, and have children, it is crucial to speak with our attorney to discuss your options for custody. Our custody attorney can help you understand the law and represent you in court if necessary.
How Do Courts Determine Custody in Savannah?
Typically, a child custody arrangement in Savannah, GA that is in the best interests of the child will revolve around frequent contact with both parents, who will share a variety of rights and responsibilities, including a child’s residence, healthcare decisions, education, and more. If possible, it is usually best when both parents work together and submit a joint parenting plan for approval by the court. If you and your spouse are not able to agree on a parenting plan, then the courts will have to decide for you. Certain circumstances may necessitate that one parent has sole custody over the child.
When a judge makes a decision regarding child custody in Savannah, he or she may consider some of the following factors:
- The physical suitability of the home environment
- The physical, mental, and emotional health of the parents
- The parent's ability to care for the child
- Any history of drug or alcohol abuse by either parent
It is always beneficial to work with a family law attorney throughout the process to ensure a favorable custody and visitation plan. Let our child custody lawyers serving Savannah provide the insight you need during a child custody dispute.
Advocating for Favorable Custody Agreements in Savannah
Whether you are working together with your spouse to come up with a mutually agreeable parenting plan or are fighting for sole custody in Georgia, our Savannah child custody lawyers can assist you. We are dedicated to protecting the best interests of your child and working toward a positive outcome that will be beneficial for their long-term well-being.