Comprehensive Parenting Plans For Gwinnett County Families
Attorney Doug Fox has three decades of experience and is dedicated to providing his clients with personal attention and serving as a strong ally during what he knows is a time of transition.
Throughout Attorney Fox’s law career, he has provided legal representation for hundreds of satisfied clients in Gwinnett County and the metropolitan Atlanta area. Founder of Fox Firm, P.C., he has also tried dozens of bench and jury trials. When it comes to establishing a parenting plan that will work for you and your family, attorney Fox will listen to your concerns, craft a strategy that is designed to achieve your legal goals and protect your best interests throughout the divorce process.
What Is A Parenting Plan?
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. §19-9-1), any family law case that involves children and child custody issues requires a permanent written parenting plan. These types of cases include divorce proceedings, paternity actions and legitimation cases. A parenting plan is a legally binding document that establishes the terms and details of a child custody agreement.
A parenting plan is mandatory, even when both parents are able to agree on their custody arrangements. A permanent parenting plan provides a structure for consistent and healthy co-parenting.
What Does A Parenting Plan Include?
Parenting plans encompass a wide range of topics and are generally crafted to suit your unique family needs. Oftentimes, parents will negotiate the terms of a parenting plan during their divorce mediation. Parenting plans can include:
- Physical and legal custody
- An agreed-upon decision-making process for how parents will reach decisions for their child
- Visitation and parenting time schedules, including weekends but also for summer and holidays
- Transportation arrangements for extracurricular activities and visitation exchanges
- Arrangements for supervised visitation if it’s required
- The frequency and nature of telephone calls to the child when they are with the other parent
- Clauses concerning morality, conduct and arrangements for introducing children to new partners
- Ability to access the child’s school and medical records
Permanent parenting plans cannot be handled from a one-size-fits-all approach. Designing a safe and sensible parenting plan takes knowledge of Georgia law, skill and experience. Attorney Fox has handled hundreds of divorce cases. He has seen what does and doesn’t work. His knowledge and experience is a valuable asset when crafting a comprehensive parenting plan.
Even a parenting plan that meets the specific needs and goals of a family might need to be adapted eventually. As children age and family dynamics evolve, it is not uncommon to have to seek a modification of an existing court order. In the event that you need to modify your parenting plan, attorney Fox can help.
What If We Can’t Agree On A Parenting Plan?
If both parents are unable to agree on a permanent parenting plan, the judge will have to hold a child custody hearing and make his or her own decision on the plan’s terms.
While it is preferable for parents to work together to make decisions for their family, the fact is that this is not always possible. When domestic violence and physical or emotional abuse dynamics are involved, parties are not always able to negotiate in good faith. An experienced and respected litigator, such as attorney Fox, can advocate for you and your children or protect your parental rights in court if necessary.
Consult A Gwinnett County Parenting Plan Lawyer
To schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case and ask questions, contact Fox Firm, P.C., today. You can schedule an appointment by calling 770-341-4882 or sending a message through the firm’s online form.