Child Custody Is A High-Stakes Issue For Parents

If you ask any parent what they want most after their divorce, it will be more time with their kids. When parents divorce, their time around with their kids goes down no matter what. However, to make sure you don’t get an unfair custody agreement, you need the help of an experienced child custody lawyer.

Attorney B. Dave Driggers works as a child custody lawyer for people in Macon and across this part of Georgia. He understands Georgia family law well after decades of experience working with it. He’s a versatile, strategic lawyer who looks at both the big picture and minor details to pursue the smart course of action for his clients. That pays dividends in all areas, including child custody.

Understanding Legal Custody In Georgia

In Georgia, there are two types of custody to consider. Physical custody is where the child lives. Since Georgia prefers joint custody, parents typically share physical custody, with the child living with both parents at different points.

The other type of custody is perhaps the more important one: legal custody. Legal custody is the decision-making power. Typically, for things like immediate medical treatment, the parent with physical custody makes the choice, but for larger life decisions, parents must work together. And that’s where a parenting plan comes in.

Parenting Plans Crafted By B. Dave Driggers, PC

Most child custody issues will be settled through the parenting plan created by the parents during the divorce. It will provide the terms for many standards, such as:

• Parenting time: Being a parent isn’t just about having a child living with you. It’s about building a connection with them, knowing who they are and helping them through their challenges. You have every right to demand the time with your children to make the impact you want to make.
• Custody schedule: The end of the marriage often means a very different reality for home life. There are now – typically speaking – two homes. However, Georgia law prefers a joint custody arrangement, and so a schedule of custody must be fair to both parents.
• Special occasions: Birthdays, holidays and vacations are all times when one parent may have a greater “vision” than the other. The infrastructure to make allowances for these moments is an important aspect of every single parenting plan.
• Dispute resolutions: Creating a way to meet and work through difficult issues that come up with custody, such as parents disagreeing on educational or medical choices, is essential. These debates will happen, and one parent does not get to choose unilaterally.

However, the agreement cannot and will not cover every single concern you may have. For instance, while it may define the way disputes may find resolution, it cannot dictate how to end them.

Relocations And Moving Away

Post-divorce, it is possible and even likely that one spouse may see a new financial opportunity in a new state or even country. Moving away does not mean this parent should be removed from their child’s life.

Working through relocation concerns is work that parents will have to do. Creating a new schedule for visitation and custody is the first step. However, cross-border custody disputes can get complex and destructive very quickly.

Grandparent Custody And Visitation

Georgia law does create some opportunities for grandparents to pursue custody and visitation rights with grandchildren. However, these rights are limited and often only available if you can prove:

• A: Visitation is in the grandchild’s best interests.
• B: Lack of visitation is harmful to the grandchild.

The law provides several restrictions on how often or how frequently a grandparent may file a petition for visitation. However, the law in Georgia does prefer that active, caring grandparents remain in the lives of their grandchildren.

Other Child-Centered Questions

Questions of child support and future changes and modifications to the divorce orders will eventually arise over a long enough timeline. Answers to the questions and realizing the appropriate outcomes take considerable effort and dedication, and that’s what B. Dave Driggers, PC, offers.

Determination To Get The Outcome You Deserve

Where your child lives and what happens to them is an important and often stressful question. B. Dave Driggers is a child custody attorney ready to work hard to pursue the outcome you want and deserve. He’s on your side and able to look at things from unique angles. Reach out today by phone at 478-310-4873 or email to learn more about the firm.