Savannah Child Custody Attorney
Protecting Your Child's Best Interests with Experienced Custody Attorneys
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.
Experienced Family Law Attorneys for Child Custody in Savannah, GA
At our firm, we understand that a custody case in Savannah rarely exists in a vacuum. Parenting time, decision-making rights, and support obligations all interact, and a misstep in one area can affect every part of your family's life. When you work with us, we take the time to learn the details of your home, your child's needs, and your goals so we can develop a strategy that fits your situation rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. We also help you prepare for each stage of the process in Chatham County—from completing required parenting plans to getting ready for mediation or a final hearing—so you know what to expect and can make informed choices at every turn.
Factors for Evaluating Parental Fitness in Savannah
The judge in Savannah, GA may order a child custody evaluation. A professional evaluator can 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 courts also consider the conduct of both parents during the marriage and the impact of parental behavior on the child.
In practice, this means the court will look closely at day-to-day parenting, not just isolated events. Judges in Chatham County may review school records, counseling reports, and testimony from teachers or caregivers to understand which parent has been more involved with homework, medical appointments, and extracurricular activities. The evaluator can also pay attention to how each parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent, which is often a key part of the “best interests” analysis under Georgia law. We help our clients gather the documents and witnesses that present a clear picture of their strengths as a parent and address any issues that might raise concerns for the court.
Rights of Unmarried Fathers in Georgia Child Custody
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.
For fathers in Savannah, the legitimation process is often the first critical step toward having a formal custody or visitation schedule. A petition for legitimation is usually filed in the superior court for the county where the child's mother lives, which for many of our clients is Chatham County. Through that case, the court can establish paternity, grant parenting time, and allocate decision-making authority. We guide unmarried fathers through preparing the petition, responding to any objections, and presenting evidence that shows an ongoing, meaningful relationship with the child. Taking these steps early can prevent conflicts later and provide a more stable routine for everyone involved.
At 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.
Hear From the Families We’ve Helped
Our Reviews & Testimonials
At Johnson Kraeuter & Sanders LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"A great group of attorneys and staff."I have known several of them for years, and I have worked closely with them as both colleagues and as a client. I recommend this firm without reservation!- John R.
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"Flawless experience."It's really simple. If you have a personal injury case, Scott is the attorney you want to handle it. Competent, efficient, personable, and available, Scott directed my case to a quick and rewarding outcome. I could not have had a better experience.- Grant M.
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"Heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation."Heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation for the truly professional legal services, the balanced honest approach and the sensitive, personal touch provided by Super Attorney Paul Johnson.- K. King
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"Richard is the best!"He handled my divorce almost a decade ago and continues to take care of me with current litigation connected to that divorce. I feel profoundly safe and protected with Richard. There is no one else for me. Thank you Richard for everything!- Carmella
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"I would recommend Richard without any reservations."Richard is an outstanding attorney who is ethical and professional with his clients. He has strong litigation skills, and not only considers the legal strategies but the practicalities of solving the issue with alternative legal options.- Susan
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"Highly competent and effective execution."He took his time and explained the process and responded to all communication quickly. He displayed a high level of compassion and concern toward me easing the high impact of emotions involving divorce.- Camela
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"Best lawyer anyone could ask for."Mr. Sanders is hands down a true fighter. When he took my case he displayed a confidence that is rarely seen in cases similar to mine. He spent countless hours working with me to provide me with great detail and preparation.- Daniel
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"Richard is the most personable, reasonable, and understanding lawyer."Every question I have had has been answered with perfect clarity, in a timely manner. Mr. Sanders went far above and beyond my expectations. If you're reviewing law groups to handle your legal matters, your search ends here.- Bryce
Trusted When the Stakes Are High
Why Clients Choose Johnson Kraeuter & Sanders LLC
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Comprehensive Representation for Life's Most Important Challenges
From divorce and child custody to criminal charges and serious injury claims, our team provides experienced guidance through every stage of your legal matter.
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Respected Leaders in the Legal Community
Our attorneys are recognized by peers, trusted by judges, and honored with prestigious distinctions, reflecting a long-standing reputation for legal excellence.
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Personalized Strategies. Proven Results.No two legal matters are alike. We develop customized legal strategies designed to protect your rights, your future, and the outcome that matters most to you.
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Former Prosecutor on Your SideWith former prosecutor Frank Pennington on our team, clients benefit from valuable courtroom insight and strategic criminal defense representation.
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Trial-Tested When It Matters MostOur attorneys are experienced litigators who prepare every case for success in the courtroom, giving clients confidence whether negotiating a settlement or going to trial.
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A Legacy of Trusted AdvocacyMore than 200 years of combined legal experience delivering sophisticated representation across family law, criminal defense, and personal injury matters.
How Custody Decisions are Made in Savannah's Courts
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.
The court process in Savannah often begins with temporary hearings in Chatham County Superior Court, where a judge may put short-term parenting arrangements in place while the case is pending. Many families will also be ordered to attend mediation, which can be held through local programs or with a private mediator, to see if they can reach agreement without a trial. When a case does go to a final hearing, both parents can present testimony, documents, and witnesses to support their proposed parenting plan. Throughout each of these stages, we help our clients stay organized, meet court deadlines, and focus on the facts that matter most under Georgia's custody laws.
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
Understanding Types of Custody in Georgia
When you begin a custody case in Georgia, it helps to understand the different forms of custody the court can award. Georgia law separates custody into legal custody, which involves major decisions about education, medical care, and religious upbringing, and physical custody, which addresses where the child lives on a day-to-day basis. Each type can be joint or primary, and the court can divide decision-making responsibilities in a way that reflects how you and the other parent have shared these roles in the past. Knowing these distinctions allows you to think carefully about what arrangement will work best for your child.