Augusta GA custody attorney – Richmond County visitation lawyers
Child Custody cases in Augusta Georgia
The well being of children is of major importance to the Court. Neither parent is automatically guaranteed custody. The court looks at the best interests of the child in deciding the proper parent to have child custody. The court considers many factors in determining child custody. Those factors include the age and sex of the child, compatibility with each parent, and the ability of each parent to care for and nurture the child. A child over 14 years of age can decide which parent will have custody with the permission of the court. In election situations, nonetheless, the trial court has a wide latitude and discretion in deciding if such parent is a fit and right person to have child custody. As to a child at least 11 but not 14 years old, the court will consider the desires, if any, and educational requirements of the child when deciding custody between the parents, but the court will have complete discretion and the child’s desires will not be controlling. Law considers it important for a child to maintain a relationship with both parents; hence visitation rights are granted to the non-custodial parent.
The court in its discretion can award joint custody instead of sole custody. There are two types of joint custody. Joint legal custody means that both parents have equal rights and responsibilities for major decisions about the child. In joint physical custody physical custody is shared by the parents in such a way to assure the child substantially equal time and contact with both parents. When awarding joint child custody, the court may order joint legal child custody, joint physical custody, or both.———————————
Shawn Gunder is an Augusta GA divorce lawyer & Georgia Military Divorce Lawyer He is an Augusta military divorce lawyer, GA child custody attorney and Augusta Georgia child support attorney.
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