Although Georgia family courts consider numerous factors during custody battles, one of the most important is the “love, affection, bonding, and emotional ties” between you and your child. In other words, there is a real incentive to prove that you love your child more than your ex if you want to spend more with them after the divorce or breakup. How exactly do you approach such an abstract goal in a logic-based, legal environment? Can a Georgia custody lawyer help you gather the evidence you need?
Defining “Love, Affection, Bonding, and Emotional Ties”
The words “love, affection, bonding, and emotional ties” have vague definitions. Words like these are not very common in the legal world, as courts always strive to avoid abstract concepts in favor of more objectivity. However, the subject of child custody is an inherently emotional one – and it challenges courts to take a more nuanced approach.
Ultimately, family court judges can define love or affection however they like on a case-by-case basis. They must use their discretion to determine which parent showed the children more love and affection over the course of the marriage or relationship.
Proving Love, Affection, and Bonding During a Custody Battle
Various evidence could be useful as you attempt to establish your emotional bond with your children during a custody battle. Once it becomes clear that you are approaching divorce, consider keeping a journal of your interactions with your children. Don’t be afraid to describe the feelings you had while spending time with your kids, and include any details that might help establish a loving relationship.
As long as you make these journal entries contemporaneously (at the same time) as the actual events, they could be admissible as evidence.
In some cases, judges may consider the amount of time each parent spent with the children over the course of the marriage. If you spent more time with your kids during the marriage, the judge may assume that you have established a closer bond with them. However, time is only one factor when it comes to establishing strong relationships. Even if you worked full-time and saw your kids for just a few hours each weekday, it is still possible to prove the strength of your bonds.
An experienced child custody lawyer can help you establish your emotional ties with your children with creative strategies. Ultimately, an online article cannot offer the same level of personalized guidance.
Can a Georgia Child Custody Lawyer Help?
A child custody lawyer in Georgia may be able to help you spend more time with your children after a divorce or breakup. While establishing the strength of your emotional ties can help, many other important factors affect child custody decisions in the Peach State. You can discuss all of these various factors with Lankford & Moore Law. Schedule your consultation today – and pursue a fair custody outcome with our help.
