Marietta Child Custody Lawyers

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Seeking a Custody Agreement or Modification in Marietta, GA?

WE SHARE YOUR CONCERN FOR YOUR CHILD’S WELL-BEING.

With decades of experience in Georgia family law, our Marietta child custody attorneys work closely with clients on each step of their divorce or child custody issue. We understand the toll that separation and uncertainty can take on families. That’s why our child custody lawyers use their knowledge of Georgia family laws to protect you and your children’s legal and financial interests.

From amicable plans to negotiating an equitable child custody arrangement and beyond, our Marietta family law attorneys are ready to help you begin the next chapter of your life. Don’t just take our word for it, read what some of our previous clients have to say about us.

Learn More About the Gentry Law Firm

Our Child Custody Lawyers in Marietta, GA Offer:

  • A Free, 30-Minute Consultation
  • Respected Representation From a Marietta Custody Lawyer
  • Clear Communication – Calls Returned Within 24 Hours
  • Skilled Negotiators Focused on Your Interests
  • Experienced and Compassionate Paralegals and Support Staff
  • Courtroom-Tested Child Custody Lawyers Advocating for You

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Georgia Child Custody Laws

WE DEFEND YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS & KEEP YOU INFORMED.

Based in Marietta, GA, our team of child custody lawyers works closely with you to understand you and your children’s unique custody needs. We thoroughly explain your options while helping you reach a custody solution in your child’s best interests.

Types of Child Custody in Marietta, Georgia

Under Georgia law (Georgia Code § 19-9-3), there are two categories of child custody: legal and physical custody.

In general, the state of Georgia prefers that children have a joint legal custody arrangement (also known as a parenting plan).

Legal Custody in Georgia

Legal custody refers to the right to decide the children’s upbringing, with regard to choices about the children’s school, health care, religious education, and extracurricular activities.

Physical Custody in Georgia

Physical custody indicates where the children live most of the time. One parent is typically the primary physical custodian, while the other has regular visitation (known as parenting time) unless physical custody is split 50/50.

Temporary Custody in Georgia

Either parent may request a temporary custody hearing while the divorce is in progress. The Court will implement custody, visitation, and child support orders at the hearing that remain in effect until the final order.

Emergency Custody Hearings in Georgia

Sometimes divorce and the related proceedings can turn ugly or there is a history of domestic violence. In these cases, you can file for an emergency hearing and follow specific procedures, like those required by Cobb County. You do not have to hire a child custody lawyer to seek an emergency hearing, but it can help you avoid errors or delays.

Best Interests of the Child Doctrine

Georgia courts prefer that parents reach an amicable child custody arrangement. When a couple cannot agree, a Judge makes a custody decision based on the state’s “Best Interests of the Child” doctrine.

This legal framework helps determine the most beneficial outcome for your children.

The Best Interests of the Child Considers:

  • Each parent’s wishes
  • Whether or not each parent is willing to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
  • Which parent the child wants to live with (depending on age)
  • The quality of the child’s interactions with their parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, and other key people in their lives
  • The child’s ties to their home, school, and community
  • The physical and mental health of both parents
  • Whether either parent has a history of violence or abuse.

How Long Does A Child Custody Order Last?

In Georgia custody orders typically stay in place until the child turns 18 unless either parent seeks a custody modification for changed circumstances.

The conditions for seeking a modified child custody plan include the death of the primary parent, job loss, or disability, among other things.

HEAR FROM PAST CLIENTS

Stories & Testimonials

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01   /   05

I would like to thank Mr. William Gentry and his great staff for giving me excellent service with my case. This law firm made this very difficult time more comfortable than I had ever expected. I highly recommend Gentry Law Firm for any of your family law issues. Again thanks to you and your staff!!!

L.B., 2022

02   /   05

"Thank you for your hard work, caring for your clients, your prayers and kindness. This has been a long hard road but we look forward to the day we can start a new chapter. Again thank you."

WC Client, 2022

03   /   05

Bill, you and your staff have been so kind and professional and made me feel like I was not just "a number". I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome of the settlement.
Thank you!

NJ , 2022

04   /   05

I want to thank you for your very hard work and time spent on my case the last two years. I truly appreciate all your efforts and kindness that you have extended.

LD, 2022

05   /   05

Bill and staff were wonderful to work with. Great attention was taken into consideration for my sensitive case. They made a very difficult time in my life much smoother. His advice was great. Always a quick response. I would definitely recommend.

E.R., 2022

More Client Testimonials & Reviews

Your Rights & Child Custody Options

YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN WON’T BE BULLIED.

Too often, children become pawns in a divorce power play. We don’t like to see vulnerable adults and kids pushed around or pressured into unfair custody agreements. Our Marietta custody lawyers help ensure child custody arrangements are in your and your kids’ best interests.

Custody for Unmarried Parents in Georgia

In Georgia, an unwed mother has sole legal and physical custody. The father must establish paternity to pursue custody or visitation through a legal process called legitimation.

Children should have love and attention from both parents when possible, but a name on a birth certificate alone does not constitute parenting. We use all available legal instruments to preserve your parental rights from an absentee parent.

Protective Orders in Georgia

Protective orders help provide safety for victims of domestic violence and their children. They are not intended to manipulate child custody decisions. A Marietta child custody lawyer can petition the court to issue temporary protective orders without the alleged abuser being present.

These injunctions can establish temporary physical custody of the child and order the alleged abuser to vacate the family home.

If you or your children are in danger from an abusive spouse, call 9-1-1. Contact a child custody lawyer near you to discuss what’s next once you’re safe.

Relocation with Minor Children in Georgia

When a primary physical custodial parent wishes to move out of Georgia, they must notify the other parent in writing at least 30 days prior. If both parents consent, you must file a custody modification agreement with the court.

If your spouse has primary physical custody and wants to move, our Marietta child custody lawyers can petition the court for a custody modification hearing. We will present your case and advocate on your behalf.

What is a Guardian ad Litem?

If both parents want primary physical custody and substantive issues are involved, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem to protect the children’s interests. A Guardian evaluates both parents and reviews relevant information to make a custody recommendation to the court.

The Georgia Child Custody Process & Timeline

YOU’LL NEVER FEEL ALONE WITH THE GENTRY LAW FIRM.

Petitions for child custody are included in your divorce filing. You (or your divorce lawyer) file in the superior court in the county where the child lives (for example, Cobb County residents would file in Cobb Superior Court).

What Happens When You File for Custody in Georgia:

  • The other parent is served and allowed to respond.
  • If there is no emergency motion, the first court hearing occurs in about four to six weeks.
  • Some counties require a parenting seminar before child custody arrangements are finalized.
  • Depending on the willingness of both parties to reach an agreement, the need for mediation, the discovery phase, and court appearances, it could take 120 days or more.

It is always in the child’s best interests when parents put aside their issues and focus on parenting. But the time it takes to resolve a child custody issue depends on the facts, circumstances, and the parties’ ability to cooperate.

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Frequently Asked Child Custody Questions

Can a Child Decide Which Parent They Want to Live With?

In Georgia children aged 14 or older can state which parent they want to live with. In many cases, a child’s wishes are respected. The Court may refuse if they believe that it is not in the child’s best interests or if there is evidence of coercion by one of the parents.

Are Child Custody Laws the Same for LGBTQ Parents in Georgia?

LGBTQ parents have the same rights as non-LGBTQ parents. However, sometimes only one parent in an LGBTQ marriage has a biological connection to a child. Georgia recently passed an Equitable Caregiver law to ensure that positive relationships continue with the non-biological parent.  

Can Grandparents Seek Custody in Georgia?

Grandparents can seek temporary custody of grandchildren when the parents cannot care for their children. The Court would reassess the situation to determine permanent custody based on the parents’ change in circumstances, grandparents’ health and ability to provide full-time care, and other factors.

What Does a Marietta Child Custody Lawyer Cost?

When parents cannot reach a custody agreement, costs rise. Our child custody lawyers can seek alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, that is less costly and more private than Court. The Gentry Law Firm offers financing options to ensure that cost does not impede your legal representation.

What To Look For in a Child Custody Lawyer

The Right Skill Set for The Most Favorable Outcome.

Whether you have one child or several, hiring a child custody attorney to address your situation could impact your lives for years. Your custody lawyer’s skill set matters because they play a crucial role in protecting your children from the harshest consequences of divorce, particularly if it is contentious.

A Marietta Custody Lawyer Can Help Achieve Your Goals

Think about your goals and what you want the outcome of your child custody negotiations to bring. Are you a stay-at-home parent who needs spousal support to become self-sustaining? Does your spouse have a history of domestic violence?

Ensure that the child custody lawyer you select understands your situation, concerns, and goals. You do not want to be in the position of switching custody attorneys or winding up in a less than ideal child custody arrangement.

The 5 Characteristics of an Effective Child Custody Lawyer

1. CAPABILITY

A cut-rate child custody lawyer may be fine for a simple divorce without children or assets involved. But when there are kids in the middle of a breakup, you need to protect your parental rights. A child custody lawyer understands that keeping your kids safe and healthy is the most crucial issue for any parent.

2. CREDENTIALS

How long has your custody lawyer practiced law, and what is their track record? A reputable law firm should list its professional associations and memberships on its website. Read the online reviews to better understand how opposing counsel, Judges, and former clients view the firm. Read our firm’s reviews here.

3. INTEGRITY

Your child custody lawyer should always tell you the truth, even if it is not what you want to hear. You deserve to have all the facts before making life-changing decisions for you and your children. Lawyers must adhere to strict guidelines set forth by the American Bar and other legal associations.

4. COMMUNICATION & COMPATIBILITY

Child custody issues are deeply personal. You should feel comfortable talking about these matters with your custody attorney. You also want to ensure that your lawyer can answer your questions within a reasonable response time.

5. RELEVANT & LOCAL EXPERIENCE.

Lawyers with local experience in and around Marietta, Cobb County, and throughout Atlanta have invaluable insight about Judges’ rulings and more that works to your advantage. A child custody attorney with local knowledge can save you time, money, and stress.

Child Custody: Further Reading & Videos

Legal Custody: Who Gets To Make Decisions?