A recent study examined the judicial standards in every state to determine what parenting plan and visitation schedules are most frequent in each one. The cases studies were those in which both the mother and father want custody and there were no special circumstances, such as long-distance living arrangements. The results were very telling about fathers’ rights.
What the study concluded is that Georgia fell toward the bottom of the list, coming in at number 46, in terms of fathers’ parenting time. Georgia fathers only receive 23.5% of their children’s time. 20 states, including Florida, tied for the number one spot with dads getting almost exactly half of their children’s time.
Fathers’ Rights in Georgia
Like many other states, the judges and family courts in Georgia act on what they believe is the best interest of the child when deciding child custody and visitation. At the beginning of a custody battle, both the mother and father have equal standing in capability. To determine which parent will make the better custodial parent, several things are taken into consideration. These include the following:
- Home environment
- Emotional bonds with the child
- Mental and physical health of the parents
- Parental stability
- History of substance abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect
- Criminal history of the parents
Based on these factors, as well as any others the judge deems appropriate, the judge will make a decision about physical and legal custody of the children. Legal custody gives the parent the ability to make decisions about the upbringing of the child. Physical custody provides for the right to have control and care of the child. Both the father and mother have equal standing to be eligible for physical custody, regardless of the child’s gender.
Fathers’ Right to Child Support
Once the court determines custody, it will likely award the primary custodial parent child support from the other parent. This is true regardless of who has the child; either father or mother may receive child support. These payments are meant to assist with the expenses associated with raising a child. These include paying for clothing, shelter, medical expenses, food, educational expenses, and more. If a father receives physical custody, he has the same rights on child support as a mother.
How a Child Custody Attorney Can Help
Fathers in Georgia have just as much right to custody, visitation, and child support as a child’s mother. Still, many fathers do not know their rights or understand the law. This may result in unnecessary missing out of time and relationships with a child. Therefore, men who are dealing with child support and child custody issues need to seek the advice of experienced legal counsel.
The fathers’ rights attorneys at Lankford & Moore Law have years of experience helping men navigate the complex Georgia custody laws. They can be the key to helping you receive the time that you wish to have with your child. They can also make sure that you are receiving or paying a fair amount of child support. Contact their office today to schedule a consultation and start the process of protecting your rights now.
