Being in the middle of a custody case, or reopening a case, can be a stressful, frightening experience. Many fathers are concerned that they won’t be fairly represented in their case and will end up losing time with their child or paying an unfair amount of child support as a result. At Family Matters Law Group, we can pair you with a father’s rights attorney to help you get the representation you need. We are here to advocate for what’s best for you and your child.
Legal and Physical Custody
While it’s always favorable when parents can come to a resolution by themselves when it comes to custody, it’s not always possible. There are two different types of custody that parents must decide. If that’s not possible, then you have the right to hire a father’s rights attorney. Family Matters Law Group can help develop a physical custody arrangement to define where the child will live. There are several acceptable arrangements for physical custody, so don’t settle until you’re happy with the time presented to you.
There’s also the matter of legal custody. This refers to who will be the primary decision maker regarding health care, education, religion and extracurricular activities. There’s a common assumption that the mother will receive the final decision making authority in legal custody, which isn’t true in the state of Georgia. Thanks to the gender-neutral laws surrounding custody and child-rearing, a father should also be considered for legal custody. One of our father’s rights lawyers can help you get proper representation.
What About Child Support?
Another common question for fathers addresses whether they will need to pay child support. First, let’s go over what child support is. It’s an ongoing payment made by one parent for the benefit of the child. It’s designed to help offset the cost of the basic needs of the child. This amount can also go towards childcare, entertainment, extracurricular activities, and anything else the child may need.
When it comes to calculated child support, you shouldn’t have to worry just because you are the father. While it’s commonly the father that ends up paying, a child support order is based on income and the amount of time the child spends with either parent. As a result, if the father is spending more time with the child than the mother, then the mother will be obligated to provide support for the child, If there is an existing order in place and you feel it’s unjust, we can work to prove that and possibly have a judge review your case. Family Matters Law Group works as your father’s rights attorney to make sure you’re represented fairly and get a fair child support amount.
Fair Parenting Time
As discussed above, custody arrangements can be difficult. We want to make sure that you get a fair amount of parenting time and help you understand why a 50/50 split may not work out in some instances. You have to consider where the child will be during the week, school, how the child will spend summer break, holidays, and vacation time. Your work schedule and it’s flexibility is also a key factor in the Court awarding joint physical custody. You have the right to an impartial consideration for the schedule you want, and we can help you decide on what would work in your best interests.
If you find yourself in need of an attorney, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Family Matters Law Group. We have helped fathers around the Atlanta area get the time they want and deserve. Contact us today to get your case started, and let our experienced father’s rights attorneys help you.
