A Local Child Custody Lawyer With Experience That Matters
When it comes to our children, we all want what’s best for them. Child custody decisions carry immense weight and can shape the future of your family. It’s crucial to work with a lawyer who understands the law and can guide you through each step. A lawyer who knows the local courts is a major advantage.
At The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C., we offer that advantage and many others. Our attorney, Christopher Adams, has over 30 years of experience in Georgia family law. He is a 7th-generation Georgian who truly understands the Northeast Georgia community. His familiarity with local courts and judges equips him to provide clients with the advice and information they need to make informed decisions. We believe in educating our clients so they can make the best choices for their families.
How Are Child Custody Determinations Made In Georgia?
The guiding consideration in child custody cases is the best interests of the child. The court will look at several factors to decide what arrangement will benefit the child the most, including:
- The emotional ties between the child and each parent
- Each parent’s ability to address the child’s needs
- The child’s home environment and stability
- The mental and physical health of all parties involved
- The ability of the parents to cooperate and facilitate a positive relationship with the other parent
- The child’s preference, if they are of sufficient age and maturity
Our attorney can help you understand these factors and how they apply to your case. We will work diligently to help you pursue a custody and visitation arrangement that protects the best interests of your child. We can also address child support issues.
Legal Vs. Physical Custody
Child custody can be divided into legal and physical custody. Legal custody involves making important decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as their education and medical care. Physical custody determines where the child will live.
Joint custody is common, but Georgia law does not establish a presumption in favor of it. Instead, courts are directed to make custody decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Our child custody attorney will work with you to develop a proposed parenting time schedule that supports your child’s well-being and maintains strong family connections.
Avenues For Resolving Custody Disputes Outside Of Court
Not all custody disputes end up in court. When both parents are willing to find common ground, such as in uncontested divorces, negotiation and mediation can prove fruitful. These avenues can spare you the time, expense and headaches of drawn-out court proceedings. They can give you more of a say in the outcome and empower you to make decisions that are right for your children.
Our lawyer can help you explore these avenues and position you for a favorable settlement. Our team is very familiar and comfortable with alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation. We provide strategic advice on how to approach negotiations, ensuring that you are well-prepared and informed throughout the process. Our goal is to help you achieve a settlement that supports your family’s needs and preserves relationships, avoiding the adversarial nature of court battles whenever possible.
Powerful And Effective Advocacy In Court
In some custody cases, going to court is unavoidable. When negotiations and mediation do not lead to a resolution, or are not an option for various reasons, our attorney is ready to advocate for you in the courtroom. We understand that court proceedings can be intimidating, but we are here to stand by your side every step of the way.
Our lawyer will diligently prepare your case. He will present compelling arguments that highlight the best interests of your child while addressing any concerns the court may have. He will tailor his approach to align with the unique dynamics of your case.
Whether through negotiation or litigation, our commitment is to achieve a favorable outcome for you and your family while protecting your child’s future and fostering a positive environment for their growth.
Address Your Custody Concerns During A Free Consultation
If you’re facing child custody concerns – whether during a divorce, separation or post-divorce need for a modification – you can turn to our firm for trusted guidance. Call 770-676-1083 or send us an email to start with a free consultation.