Many parents are quite concerned about whether they will see their children often after the divorce. And rightly so. With your marriage coming to an end, your children are essentially the last remaining aspect of your family. It makes sense to want to involve them in your life as much as possible. Perhaps you had a very close relationship with your children during the marriage, and you spent a considerable amount of time with them. But does this automatically mean that you will be granted a better custody award?

In order to answer this question more accurately, it makes sense to get in touch with a qualified, experienced family law attorney in Georgia. Our legal professionals can assess your unique situation and recommend the best course of action. While internet research can be a positive first step, it is no substitute for real legal advice. This is because each family is different, and there are no universal answers. Book your consultation as soon as possible to strive for the best outcome. 

Spending More Time With the Kids Does Not Necessarily Equate to a Better Custody Outcome

While spending a lot of time with your children certainly does not hurt your chances of a better custody outcome, it is not the only factor courts look at. There are a wide range of other factors to consider, such as the physical proximity between parents’ homes, substance abuse issues, past instances of domestic violence, the children’s opinions, and so on. 

But purely in the context of your relationship with the child, spending time with them may not be enough. According to Georgia law, a relationship is assessed based on many other things, such as:

• The love, affection, bonding, and emotional ties existing between each parent and the child: Even though you spend a lot of time with your children, you may not have a strong relationship with them. They may feel a closer bond with the other parent, even if they see them only for a brief amount of time each day. 

• The capacity and disposition of each parent to give the child love, affection, and guidance and to continue the education and rearing of the child: Your ability to take care of the children is not necessarily a reflection of how much time you spent with them during the marriage. Another parent might be a more suitable and capable caregiver despite their preoccupation with other priorities during the marriage. 

• Each parent’s knowledge and familiarity of the child and the child’s needs: This is perhaps one of the most important factors. How well do you know your child? Are you familiar with their hobbies, passions, and interests? Do you know what they need to be happy on a daily basis? While you might expect someone to be aware of these things if they spend a lot of time with their child, this is not always the case. 

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you have been searching the Georgia area for a qualified, experienced family law attorney, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous parents fight for their rights after divorce in a highly efficient manner. With our help, you can spend as much time with your children as possible in your post-marriage life. Book your consultation today to get started.