ATHENS GA CHILD CUSTODY LAWYER

Athens GA Child Custody Lawyer

Georgia Attorneys: Child Custody, Child Support

For many parents, much of the uncertainty and stress involved in a divorce or other family law dispute arises from the issues of child custody and child support. Emotions run high. Financial stability is a critical issue.  Often times, thinking is not at its clearest. If you anticipate that child custody, child support or visitation will be a point of contention, you want an experienced Athens GA Child Custody Lawyer to protect your rights and the rights of your children. At TW we are parents as well. We know that there is nothing more important to you than the well-being and financial security of your children.

Child Custody

There are two different components to child custody: physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody refers to where and with whom the child will reside and spend the majority of his or her time. Legal custody refers to the ability of each parent to make decisions as to the upbringing of the child, including, for example, medical treatment, education, and religious upbringing. It is common for parents to have Athens GA Child Custody Lawyer meaning that each parent will have legal custody, while one parent will have primary physical custody. The parent without physical custody will usually have rights to visitation, often referred to as parenting time. Athens GA Child Custody Lawyer strives to resolve child custody issues in a manner that relieves some of the pressures associated with divorce, legitimation or custody modification. Mediation is an optional method that often provides a less contentious process to resolve these types of disputes. However, there are times when litigation is unavoidable. At those times, our firm will work tirelessly to protect your interests and those of your children.

Legitimation

In Georgia, a father cannot have “legal” custody of a child until he “legitimates” the child.  This process is separate from establishing paternity, and you can be ordered to pay child support even though you have no “legal” right to visitation with the child.  If you are a father who wishes to establish a legal relationship with your child, our firm stands ready and able to assist you through this process.  Likewise, if you are a mother who needs assistance locating the father, obtaining a child support order, or negotiating a fair and reasonable visitation schedule, we can help.

Child Support or Modification of Child Support

Claims for child support or modification of child support can be significant sources of contention in both the divorce and legitimation processes. Georgia has statutory child support guidelines that the courts must consider when issuing a child support order. Deviations from the guidelines can be made, but a parent must demonstrate to the court that a different support amount is warranted due to extenuating circumstances. Our Athens GA Child Custody Lawyers can help you in this process by reviewing financial documents, and evaluating other specific criteria, to establish an appropriate child support amount that conforms to the child support guidelines.