Oconee County GA property division attorneys – Athens-Clarke County family lawyer
Child Custody cases in Oconee County GA
The well being of children is of major concern to the Court. Neither parent is for sure entitled to child custody. The court considers at the best interests of the child when deciding the proper parent to have custody. The judge looks at many factors when deciding custody. Those factors are the age and sex of the child, compatibility with each parent, and the ability of each parent to care for and nurture the child. A child above 14 years of age can decide which parent will have custody with the consent of the court. In election situations, however, the trial court has a wide latitude and discretion in deciding if the selected parent is a fit and proper person to have custody. As to a child at least 11 but not 14 years old, the court will look at the wishes, if any, and educational needs of the child in determining child custody between the parents, but the court will have complete discretion and the child’s desires will not be controlling. Law considers it important for a child to maintain a relationship with both parents; and so visitation rights are awarded to the parent who is not given legal custody of the child.
The court in its discretion can award joint child custody instead of sole child custody. There are two kinds of joint custody. Joint legal custody means that both parents have equal rights and responsibilities for major decisions concerning the child. Joint physical custody means that physical child custody is shared by the parents in such a way to assure the child substantially equal time and contact with both parents. In awarding joint custody, the judge may order joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or both.———————————
Athens GA Divorce Lawyer – Athens GA Uncontested Divorce – Contested Divorce Attorney
Our family law firm handles cases in Athens, Georgia. Our Georgia divorce lawyers represent clients in Athens and the Athens-Clarke County area.
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