How Do You Choose the Right Vidalia Child Custody Lawyer for Your Family?

Are you confronted with the terrifying idea of a custody fight? Are you breaking up, and you cannot think of your life without your children in full blast? Maybe you are currently on joint custody, but you have changed your mind, and the existing order does not support the best interest of the child. The issue of child custody is one of the most emotionally colored issues that a person can be involved in. It could not be the stakes higher--it is either your relations with your children. What is your way of negotiating this complicated system? So what does the Georgia court actually take into account? And how do you find a Vidalia Child Custody Lawyer who will fight effectively for your family? This is a guide that will respond to these key questions to safeguard you and what is most important.

What are the forms of child custody in Georgia?

You should know what Georgia law considers custody before you can lobby to achieve what you want. When you consult a Vidalia Child Custody Lawyer, they will explain the distinction between legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody is the right to make significant decisions in the life of your child, such as schooling, medical treatment, and religious upbringing. It may be joint, with both parents in making the decision, or sole, where one parent has all the authority. Physical custody is a determination of where your child spends his/her day to day life. This may be either single, where there is only one home, or joint, where the child spends a lot of time in both homes. Georgia courts also work out parenting plans, which will define certain visitation hours, holiday time, and how parents will handle the transitions. Bearing these differences in mind will make it easier to express your personal wish to have what you actually desire in your family.

What Does Georgia Courts Take into Account in Custody?

In matters where the judge is to determine custody, on what basis does he or she make his or her decision? According to the law of Georgia, the overall criterion of the court is the best interest of the child. A skilled Vidalia Child Custody Lawyer will explain that judges consider numerous factors, including the love and affection between parent and child, each parent's ability to provide for the child's needs, the child's relationship with siblings and extended family, each parent's emotional stability and moral fitness, the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, and each parent's willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent. Notably, the law of Georgia does not allow taking into consideration any marital conduct that does not influence the relationship between the parent and the child. The preference of the child is also an issue that the court may take into consideration the preference of the child, provided the child is mature enough, which is normally fourteen years or more. Knowing these factors will enable you to make your best case.

What Does the Court Do to arrive at Parenting Time?

In addition to the custody designation, what does a court do in determining the exact schedule that your family will use? Georgia courts would love a parenting plan that would enable children to have good relationships with both parents, as long as both are fit and willing. A common routine could be one of the parents having the primary physical custody of the other, having alternate weekends, one night of the week, and long holidays and summer vacations. Nonetheless, no two families are alike. Some of the factors that affect the schedule include the age of the child, the distance between the homes of the parents, the work schedule of each parent, as well as extracurricular activities of the child. A knowledgeable Vidalia Child Custody Lawyer will help you propose a schedule that serves your child's developmental needs while realistically accommodating your family's circumstances.

So, What Happens When the Parents are not able to agree?

In case you and the other parent of your child fail to find a compromise, what is the next step? According to the law of Georgia, most cases of custody must undergo the mediation process before a judge can set a trial. During mediation, a third party, who is impartial, assists both parents in identifying the available options and reaching a compromise. A lot of cases are settled at this point, and the families do not need to experience the emotional and financial burden of a trial. Nevertheless, in case of a failed mediation, your case will be taken to a hearing where a judge will make the final judgment. Your lawyer will bring in evidence, bring witnesses, and argue your case. The verdict of the judge becomes a court order that both parents are required to obey. Having an experienced Vidalia Child Custody Lawyer by your side throughout this process ensures your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

What Should You Do to Be Ready for Your Custody Case?

How can you develop your position now? Begin by keeping a record of your partnership in the life of your child, whether it is school, doctor, extra-curriculum and day-to-day care. Keep a time sheet regarding the time spent with your child. Treat the other parent with respect and ensure that your conversations are child-centered. Do not use negative terms about the other parent in front of your child or on the social network. Collect valuable paperwork, such as school reports, medical reports, and any other communication between the other parent and you. Above all, seek the services of a lawyer as soon as possible. The guidance of a skilled Vidalia Child Custody Lawyer from the very beginning can prevent missteps and build a strong foundation for your case.

Ready to Protect Your Family?

You cannot afford for the relationship you have with your child to change. The dedicated team at Downie Law, LLC, provides compassionate, aggressive representation for parents seeking the best Vidalia Child Custody Lawyer to fight for their families.

Call us today, and we will have a discreet consultation and help kick-start securing your child's future.

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