Child Custody
Woodstock, Smyrna, Alpharetta & Marietta Child Custody Lawyers
The attorneys at Hait, Eichelzer & Kuhn zealously represent Mothers and Fathers in highly contested custody cases. We have success stories from both Mothers and Fathers. Whether you want primary physical custody or maximum visitation/parenting time, our child custody attorneys know how to get you the results you want.
Under Georgia Law, there are two types of custody: 1) physical custody and 2) legal custody. Obviously, physical custody is the physical placement of the children. There is a primary physical custodial parent and a secondary physical custodial parent. Legal custody is divided into sole legal custody and joint legal custody. Sole legal custody is where one parent has the authority to make all decisions for the children. As such, the sole legal custodian is not required to inform the other parent of major events involving the children. The other parent is basically not involved in any decision-making whatsoever. This usually occurs if one parent is imprisoned or is abusive towards the children. In most cases, however, the court awards joint legal custody. This means that both parents must consult with each other prior to making major decisions for the children. Major decisions typically involve: healthcare, religious upbringing, education, and extra-curricular activities. In the event of a disagreement, after a good-faith consultation between the parents, the parent with primary custody has the final say. Occasionally, the final decision making authority can be equally divided between the parents. For example, the Mother has the final say on education and extra-curricular activities and the Father has the final say on healthcare and religion. Each situation is unique. All options will be discussed with one of our child custody lawyers during your free consultation.
There is a misconception that Mothers are favored over Fathers. Over the past several decades, the concept of shared parenting has evolved. In the past, Mothers were typically awarded primary physical custody and Fathers were awarded secondary physical custody with rights of visitation. Fathers typically visited with their children every other weekend from Friday at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday at 6:00 p.m. This meant that Fathers would go ten days or longer between visits. Today, neither parent is favored over the other. Fathers and Mothers can be considered equally fit and proper persons to be the primary parent. As such, Judges typically award more visitation, or parenting time, to the secondary custodial parent.
Contact Hait, Eichelzer & Kuhn today to speak with one of our child custody attorneys. During your free consultation, we can answer some of the questions you may have about child custody law and go over the options available to get the result you want!
Documents Available for Download:
Intake Forms:
- Modification Form Online Version Printable Version
Confidential Agreements:
