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Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Cherokee and Cobb Counties

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Atlanta Child Custody Attorneys

You and your spouse are not the only parties significantly affected by the impending divorce. As both legal guardians, you and your spouse are legally responsible for providing for your child or children. Child support is a complicated process which involves long negotiation and mediation.

child support family lawyersLet the family law experts at Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. support you during the entire divorce process. Our experience in mediating and settlements ensure that you and your spouse have the right resources and knowledge that you can use in the future. Child custody and child support is an integral part of your divorce case where you will need our legal backing.

Our Atlanta child custody attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights during family law matters. We ensure that your child has the best care and support from both parents.

Call the Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. at (678) 504-8411 for a Free Consultation.

Types of Custody

Mother with BabyEven during separation, the welfare of the child is still a major responsibility for both parents. Cooperation is the key to achieving a happy environment even after the divorce. While challenging, prioritizing the best interest of the child during the divorce process makes their transition to a new life a bit easier.

In general, child custody in Atlanta, GA can be divided into two major categories: physical custody and legal custody.

Physical Custody

Father with young babyDiscussion of physical custody involves the parenting time allocated between the parents. In Georgia, the law does not mandate any specific amount of time to any parent. While it is possible to have zero to 100% physical custody, the majority of cases fall somewhere in the middle.

Here are the four major types of custody arrangements:

  • Primary custody – one parent has the majority of the time between 51% to 99%.
  • Joint custody – parenting is split roughly equally
  • Sole custody – one parent nearly has all the parenting time.
  • Split custody – one child spends a majority of the time with one parent, while the other child spends a majority of the time with the other parent.

The decision on what type of custody is appropriate for the child falls on the hands of the parents and how they settle such agreement. Stipulations are often outlined describing the conditions for each parent.

Legal Custody

two parents discussing divorceIn most Georgia custody cases, both parents are awarded joint legal custody where they are required to discuss and try to agree to all major decisions regarding the upbringing and welfare of the child.

Final Decision Making Authority involves four categories:

  • Medical – decisions involving non-emergency medical and health care of the child.
  • Education – decisions involving schools, types of schooling, course of study, and types of classes.
  • Activities – decisions involving extracurricular activities such as type of activities, limitations of involvement, how much time a child spends on an activity, and scheduling
  • Religion – decisions involving religious upbringing and training.

Georgia law requires that there should be a primary decision maker for each of the four categories, typically split between the parents. For example, one parent may have a final decision on education and religion while the other decides on medical and extracurricular activities.

Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. understands that you have your child’s best interest at heart. We will be your legal support during all negotiations and settlements during the divorce process, or support unmarried dads with obtaining their father’s rights. You have resources at hand to help you understand the steps that you will go through.

What If Parents Cannot Decide?

family going through tough timesThere are cases when you and your partner cannot decide on a fair agreement in terms of child custody. Certain factors, like moving, education, and financial capacity can be contentious during a divorce case.

When the parents cannot reach a final agreement, the decision of child custody falls on the court. The state will prioritize the happiness and well-being of the child subject to the following conditions:

  1. Capacity – the ability of each parent to give love and guidance to the child. Also includes the education and rearing of the child.
  2. Emotional Ties – the existing emotional relationship of each parent and other family members to the child.
  3. Involvement – past and present level of involvement in the child’s education and extra-curricular activities.
  4. Safety – the court will take into account any history of alcohol and substance abuse, child abuse, or neglect.
  5. Environment-the ability of each parent to provide a stable and loving home environment.
  6. Familiarity – familiarity and knowledge of the child and his/her needs.
  7. Advice – The court will also take into consideration any recommendations from friends, family, and various custody evaluators.

Let the best Atlanta family lawyers at Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. be at your side when dealing with a complicated child custody case. Our years of experience ensures that you are in the right hands. We know that you will need to prepare for the next chapter of your life and we are here to make the child custody process as easy as possible for you.

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Georgia Family Law Attorneys

Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. is your legal support whether you are already filing for divorce or you are still deciding. We have the experience and the resources that you need during the entire legal process. Legal information is your key to painless and smooth divorce process between you and your spouse. Our Atlanta Family Law Attorneys provide a free consultation so you can make sure we are the right fit for you.

Call Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. now at (678) 504-8411 for your Free Consultation with a Motivated, Experienced Divorce Attorney.