Child Custody and Visitation

North Fulton and Northeast Georgia Child Custody Lawyer

Divorce can be a confusing time for children. Children have a basic need to be loved and feel secure. At Gregg W. Schuder, Attorney at Law, we strive to obtain child custody arrangements that provide for the children's needs while also meeting the needs of our clients. Much of this sensitive work involves listening to our clients' needs and working vigorously to ensure their concerns are met.

Do you have questions regarding child custody and visitation? Please contact attorney Gregg Schuder today to arrange your consultation at our offices in Alpharetta, Buford, Cumming, or Gainesville.

The Best Interest of the Child: What Does That Really Mean?

The courts award child custody based upon the best interest of the child or children involved. Although many parents my hear this phrase, they may not know how the court views this concept. The courts determine child custody and visitation based upon factors that include the following.

• The parents' wishes for child custody
• The children's wishes for child custody can be considered but are not binding
• Interaction between the children, their parents, and their siblings
• Interactions at home, at school, during extracurricular activities, and in the community
• The mental and physical health of all parties.

Common Custody Arrangements

In Georgia, it is common for one parent to have primary physical custody while one parent has visitation. Georgia encourages joint legal custody. Legal custody refers to decision making regarding education, religion, health, and other issues.

Child Custody Modification and Enforcement

Enforcement of visitation schedules and child custody orders, or modifications to these orders, are issues that can arise after the divorce decree.

Some people may be surprised to learn that child custody and child support do not go hand-in-hand. For instance, while a party may not be making child support payments on time or at all, the other party cannot withhold visitation. If one parent refuses to cooperate with the visitation order, child custody enforcement may become an issue.

A change to the child custody order may be requested in situations where there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as if a parent would like to relocate for a job opportunity.

Do you have questions or concerns about child custody? Please call Gregg W. Schuder, Attorney at Law, today at (678) 894-2872 / (866) 664-9057 or contact us by e-mail to arrange your consultation.