Category: Family Law

Dealing with child custody and visitation arrangements can often be complex and emotionally charged. For parents in Savannah, understanding the legal framework and making informed decisions is crucial to ensuring the well-being of the children involved. Here are some essential steps and considerations for handling visitation and custody arrangements, guided by the experienced child custody lawyers at Kicklighter Law.

Understanding Georgia’s Custody Laws

In Georgia, the primary focus in any custody case is the child’s best interest. The state recognizes two types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody pertains to the right to make significant decisions about the child’s life, such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody, however, relates to where the child lives and the logistics of their day-to-day care.

Georgia law allows for joint or sole custody arrangements. Joint custody means both parents share decision-making responsibilities and physical custody, while sole custody grants these rights to one parent. The court may award joint legal custody while designating one parent as the primary physical custodian.

Crafting a Parenting Plan

A comprehensive parenting plan is a crucial element in any custody arrangement. This plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children. It should include a detailed visitation schedule, specifying holidays, school vacations, and special occasions. The plan should also address transportation arrangements, communication methods between parents, and how changes to the schedule will be handled.

Parents are encouraged to collaborate in creating the parenting plan to ensure it meets their child’s needs and accommodates both parents’ schedules. If parents cannot agree, the court may impose a plan.

Factors Considered by the Court

When determining custody arrangements, Georgia courts consider several factors to prioritize the child’s best interests. These factors include:

• Parental Bond: The emotional ties between each parent and the child.
• Parenting Ability: Each parent can provide for the child’s emotional, educational, and physical needs.
• Home Environment: The stability and safety of each parent’s home.
• Health of the Parents: Both parents’ physical and mental health.
• Child’s Preference: Their preference may be considered depending on their age and maturity.
• Parental Involvement: Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life, including their willingness to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent.

Mediation and Negotiation

In many cases, mediation can be a valuable tool in resolving custody disputes. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps parents negotiate and reach a mutually acceptable agreement. This process can be less adversarial and more collaborative, focusing on the child’s best interests rather than the parents’ conflicts.

Negotiation between parents, directly or through their attorneys, is another approach to resolving custody issues. Open communication and a willingness to compromise are key to successful negotiation. Parents should aim to prioritize their child’s needs and well-being over their differences.

Enforcing and Modifying Custody Orders

Once a custody arrangement is in place, it is legally binding. However, circumstances may change, necessitating modifications to the agreement. Changes in work schedules, relocations, or significant changes in the child’s needs can prompt a request for modification. To modify a custody order, the requesting parent must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests.

If a parent violates the custody order, enforcement measures can be taken. This may involve filing a motion with the court to address the violation and ensure compliance. Consistent violations can lead to legal consequences for the non-compliant parent.

Legal Support and Guidance

Navigating visitation and custody arrangements can be challenging, but parents do not have to face it alone. Seeking legal guidance can provide clarity and support throughout the process. The child custody lawyers at Kicklighter Law in Savannah offer comprehensive legal services to help parents understand their rights and responsibilities, negotiate agreements, and represent their interests in court if necessary.

The Savanna Child Custody Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Help Divorced Spouses Navigate Visitation and Custody Arrangements

Handling visitation and custody arrangements requires careful planning, cooperation, and focus on the child’s best interests. The Savannah child custody lawyers at Kicklighter Law can help. Call us today at 912-754-6003 or fill out our online form for an initial consultation. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we proudly serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas. 

If you’re pursuing child custody in Georgia, it’s important to partner with an attorney who can fight for the best possible outcome. Discover the answers to the below Custody FAQs, then contact Mickey Kicklighter today:

What is the difference between physical and legal custody?

Physical custody refers to the parent who the child lives with for the majority of the time. Physical custody can be sole or joint. Joint physical custody means that both parents have custody of the child, and the amount of time each parent is legally allowed to have is ordered by the court or determined in mediation.

Legal custody allows one parent to be deemed the decision maker on topics such as health, religion, and education. However, legal custody can also be sole or joint. If joint legal custody is awarded to both parents, there is one parent who is assigned the primary custodial role. The custodial role gives this parent the final say in decisions in the event that an agreement cannot be reached.

What factors contribute to “the best interest of the child”?

In Georgia, a judge determines the “best interest of the child” by considering many factors. If you’re contemplating a divorce and know your spouse will want custody of your child, it’s important to know that the judge will consider elements such as:

Can child custody orders be modified?

Yes, child custody orders can be modified but two elements must be present. First, your attorney must prove that a substantial change has occurred since the original child custody orders were finalized. For example, a planned move by the custodial parent or a request by the child to change custodial parents (if the child is of age) are considered substantial changes. Second, the modification must reflect the child’s best interests.

If you have questions about these child custody FAQs, don’t hesitate to contact Kicklighter Law.

In light of Father’s Day approaching on June 20, we wanted to share helpful answers to frequently asked questions about legitimation. There are roughly 1.5 million births occurring each year in America to unmarried women, resulting in the same number of fathers not having legal rights to their children. Allow us to shed light on this important topic by answering four FAQs:

Partner with Kicklighter Law for Your Family Law Needs

Whether you’re pursuing a divorce, adoption, legitimation, or any other family law need, Kicklighter Law is ready to guide you toward the best possible outcome! Talk to us today about your case: 912-754-6003

Child support can be a difficult and confusing challenge to face after a divorce. The calculations for the amount each parent is responsible to pay can be complex, and it’s important you have an experienced, knowledgeable family law attorney to guide you through each step.

How are Payments Calculated?

In Georgia, the court considers multiple factors in determining child support payments including the number of children and income of each parent. Income calculations include

The Georgia Child Support Commission provides a child support calculator to determine payments. Be sure to consult an experienced family law attorney, like the team at Kicklighter Law, for help calculating accurate child support payments.

Can I Modify My Payments?

Sometimes, calculated payments can be modified if you experience a change in life circumstances. However, it’s important to note that every case is different. You may qualify for a child support payment modification if you experience:

Just because you experience one of the listed major life events doesn’t necessarily mean you will be granted a child support modification. If you think you need a child support payment modification, contact the expert family law attorneys at Kicklighter Law.

Call Our Experienced Family Law Attorneys at 912-754-6003

It seems like with each passing year, people’s lives get a bit more hectic and busier. It’s important to remember what’s most important in life, and for many people, it’s the people in your home. This year, consider making a few family-friendly New Year’s resolutions to increase quality time and family bonding. Here are a few suggestions:

New Year’s Resolution: Set Aside a Technology-Free Night

Technology is incredible in so many ways, but it does tend to consume the attention of even the youngest people. This year, set aside one night a week to switch off your phones, tablets, and TVs, and have quality time together. You can play board games, make dinner together, or walk around the neighborhood.

New Year’s Resolution: Make More Homemade Meals

The dinner table is one of the best places to have great conversations. When you stay home for dinner, you won’t be distracted by other people in restaurants and you’ll save money! If you have kids, consider asking them to help you make the meal to get them involved.

New Year’s Resolution: Plan a Family Vacation

Life can get so busy with work, school, and extra-curricular activities. But, if there isn’t time for fun and relaxation, you’ll quickly get overwhelmed with stress. This year, plan a vacation for the whole family! It doesn’t have to be expensive. You can stay at a local campground, visit extended family, or plan a “day-vacation” at the local beach.

Last of the New Year’s Resolutions: Go Outside More

One of the best things for kids and adults alike is to get fresh air. Being in nature and getting fresh air is great for your mind, emotions, and body! Make a family-friendly new year’s resolution to be outside for at least 30 minutes every day. Outside activities that your kids will surely love include bike riding at a local trail, jumping on the trampoline, swimming at the pool, playing at new playgrounds, and exploring unique state parks.

If you need assistance with any family law needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Kicklighter Law attorneys. Contact us today.