Child Custody

Atlanta Child Custody Lawyer

Providing Strong Legal Representation in a Difficult Time

Divorce can be difficult for children who have become accustomed to living with both parents and will now travel between homes. By working with an experienced family law attorney, measures can be taken to preserve parent-child relationships while safeguarding a child's sense of security.

Contact Atlanta child custody lawyer Anthony M. Zezima to schedule a consultation.

Divorce, Separation and Never-Married Parents

In a Georgia divorce, the custody of all children must be determined before divorce can be granted. Custody may also be determined between biological parents who are separated, but not divorced, and between those who have never been married.

Child custody cannot be given to someone who is not a biological parent unless it is determined that it would be in the child's best interest to live with another relative. It is no longer necessary that the biological parent be found to be unfit.

Acknowledging the Child's Viewpoint

In determining child custody arrangements, a judge will sometimes ask for a Guardian ad Litem to represent the child's interests and make a recommendation to the court. From there, the judge will consider:

• The age and gender of each child
• Whether there are siblings
• The child's relationship to each parent
• Which parent has been the primary caretaker during the marriage
• Which parent, if given custody, will help the child maintain a healthy relationship with the non-custodial parent

The court almost always grants visitation ("parenting time") to the parent not awarded full-time custody.

Parenting Schedules and Responsibilities

Parties may agree on any child custody and visitation schedule they wish; the judge will usually approve. Through agreement or award, parents may share joint legal custody or joint physical custody.

Avoiding Custody Battles Regarding Teenage Children

A child over 14 may express a choice as to which parent they wish to live with; The judge should consent to the child's wishes, unless there are specific findings as to why it would not be in the best interests of the child.

Contact Us

To schedule a consultation with attorney Anthony M. Zezima, contact us online or call our office toll-free at 1-877-825-6708.

We also offer child visitation services.

Anthony M. Zezima, P.C. is a family law firm serving clients in the Atlanta, Georgia area, including Marietta, Lawrenceville, Decatur, Norcross, Snellville, Cumming, Buford, Winder, Loganville and Lilburn, and the counties of Fulton County, DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Cherokee County and Walton County.