Visit the Clerk's Office of the Superior Court to begin child custody proceedings. File a petition to begin child custody proceedings. You can file a petition for child custody in your county's Superior Court. If you are divorcing, the petition will be included in your divorce papers.
Timeline: Child custody cases can vary widely but often take several months to resolve. Process: The court prioritizes the child's best interests, which may involve evaluations, hearings, and mediation. Factors: High-conflict situations or disputes over parenting plans can lengthen the process.
To petition for emergency custody, draft a Motion for an Emergency Hearing explaining the urgent issue, and file it with the court. You should hire an attorney to write this, as it influences how soon the court hears your case. Typically, you'll have a hearing within 24 hours of filing the motion.
Filing for child custody in GA in 6 steps Fill out a petition. File the petition and serve it on the other party. Be prepared for a response. Develop a parenting plan. File and serve the proposed parenting plan as ordered by the court. Go to court.
Factors in custody decisions The judge considers each parent's: Bond with the children. Ability and desire to provide the children with affection and guidance. Familiarity with the children's needs, plus capacity to provide for those needs.
Five of the factors that affect child custody decisions in Georgia are: A Parent's Willingness To Take Care of a Child. A Child's Needs. Evidence of Child Abuse or Domestic Violence. The Relations Between the Child and the Parents. The Stability of the Home Environment.
Filing for child custody in GA in 6 steps Fill out a petition. File the petition and serve it on the other party. Be prepared for a response. Develop a parenting plan. File and serve the proposed parenting plan as ordered by the court. Go to court.
Sole custody is rare in modern family law cases Of course, there are always those outlier situations that deviate from the standard. In a handful of circumstances with compelling reasons, one parent can secure sole custody in Georgia. Those reasons may include: domestic violence.
If there is sufficient evidence to prove that a parent is guilty of child abuse or domestic violence, the judge may grant sole custody to the other parent. Some parents allege abuse and violence as a way to gain sole custody. False allegations of domestic violence and sexual abuse could backfire on a parent.