ALIMONY
CHILD CUSTODY LAWYERS
TYPES OF CHILD CUSTODY
In any divorce where children are involved, calculating an appropriate child support payment is a vital part of the process. It is quite a balancing act to make sure that the payment is large enough to adequately meet the needs of the children, but also not so burdensome that it creates severe hardship for the parent making the payment. Family Matters Law Group assists our clients with numerous issues related to child support.
Whether you are making the initial child support calculation in your divorce proceeding, or you are seeking relief and/or modification of an existing support agreement, our office can help. While it may seem straightforward, many child support agreements are complicated by such factors as a parent who is self-employed, a child with special needs, or parents who are unemployed. Family Matters Law Group is prepared to assist in any situation, no matter how complex.
FOCUSING ON THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD
The custody laws in Georgia are focused on the best interests of the child. The judge involved must focus on this when making any custody decisions. There are several factors that the judge will consider, including:
- The home environment of each parent.
- The mental and physical health of each parent.
- The emotional ties the child has to each parent.
- The ability of the parents to provide the child with adequate medical care, food, and clothing.
- Sibling relationships, including step-siblings and half-siblings that will be in each parents’ home.
- History of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect by either of the parents.
- Any history of criminal charges, substance abuse, and the stability of each parent.
- The willingness of the parent to maintain a relationship with the other parent.
- Each parent’s involvement in the schooling, extra-curricular activities, and social needs of the child.
These factors are considered when determining child custody, placement, and visitation schedules to come up with the best fit for the child.
