Gwinnett County Child Custody Attorney

Family law cases that involve issues of child custody can bring with them overwhelming stress and anxiety. It’s normal to worry about all the possible what-if scenarios. Seasoned family lawyer Doug Fox has three decades of experience in this area of law.

As the founder of Fox Firm, P.C., in Lawrenceville, he helps clients with child custody challenges in Gwinnett County and the surrounding greater Atlanta communities. He genuinely cares about his clients as they face these issues and will protect their parenting rights and best interests in scenarios involving child custody.

How Is Child Custody Determined In Georgia?

In Georgia, the courts will assess child custody cases based on what is in the best interests of the children. In a divorce, they will determine two types of custody – legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody determines who gets to make important decisions on behalf of the children, such as education, medical care and religious upbringing. Courts encourage parents to share legal custody so that they can both be involved in the decision-making process.

Physical custody addresses where the child lives. Physical custody can either be shared or granted primarily to one parent. Even when one parent is granted primary custody, the other parent will still have visitation. Visitation schedules are now commonly called parenting time schedules and included in the family’s parenting plan.

Protecting A Child’s Best Interests

In a paternity matter or divorce scenario, it can be overwhelming to navigate a child custody battle. If you are fighting a child custody battle, attorney Fox will provide compassionate advice that is founded in experience. He will make sure that you understand the process, the proceedings and the potential outcomes. He will thoroughly prepare a legal strategy designed to meet your best interests, the best interests of your child and your legal goals. He will also provide an honest assessment of your chance for success.

Does Georgia Favor Mothers?

When parents divorce, mothers and fathers have equal rights, and a court will make a decision based on what is best for the children. When a child is born out of wedlock, a father must establish paternity in order to protect his rights as a father. Once paternity is established, a father may also be required to pay child support. Failure to do so will automatically give a mother sole physical and legal custody.

Proving The Fitness Of A Parent

When a court evaluates a child custody case, they will examine the “fitness” of each potential custodial parent. Fitness describes a parent’s physical and mental health when it comes to their ability to care for their child. A judge may examine one or more of the following factors when deciding whether to rule a parent unfit:

• If the parent has abandoned the child
• If there is any history of substance or alcohol problems
• If there has been any mistreatment or neglect of the child
• If there is any history of mental illness that would negatively impact the parent’s ability to carry out their role

If necessary, a judge may retain the services of an evaluator to assist in the investigation further. This includes interviewing teachers, close friends and therapists, if applicable.

Consult A Gwinnett County Child Custody Lawyer

Gwinnett County child custody lawyer Fox has represented clients in Lawrenceville and throughout Gwinnett County for decades.

To schedule a confidential, no-obligation initial consultation, call Fox Firm, P.C.‘s Lawrenceville office at 770-341-4882 or send a message through the firm’s contact form.