There are a number of reasons why you might want to modify your child custody agreement in Georgia. Generally speaking, a modification can help address issues that you might be having with custody. These include not only legal decision-making but also physical custody (who gets the children and when). While modification may not be necessary for a number of minor issues, sometimes there is truly no other option.
Modification is a Last Resort
Generally speaking, modifying your child custody agreement should be seen as a last resort. It is much cheaper and more efficient to work things out with your ex behind closed doors. These negotiations can provide you with easy resolutions without ever going to court. Your ex will probably be motivated to resolve these disputes through private negotiations as well since everyone wants to save money on legal fees. That being said, your lawyers can help facilitate these negotiations, so it is worth contacting a family lawyer even if you’re not going to court.
Healthcare Decisions
You may choose to modify your child custody agreement in order to gain sole decision-making authority over healthcare decisions. This can be helpful if you disagree with your ex over healthcare choices, such as vaccines, blood transfusions, gender-affirming surgery, hormones, and so on. The most typical outcome is shared legal custody, which means that your ex will need to consent to any healthcare decisions unless you modify your agreement.
Education Decisions
If you and your ex disagree over educational decisions, modification may also be necessary. For example, you may want your child to attend a private school, but your ex may disagree. You might also disagree about certain political or religious teachings in the classroom.
Religious Decisions
Modifications can also help clear up disputes about religious upbringing. For example, you might have a different religion compared to your ex. These religions may be incompatible, so how do you choose which religion your child follows? If no agreement or compromise can be met, you may need to show the family court that a specific religion serves your child’s best interests more than the other. This can result in a modification, giving you sole legal custody over matters related to religion.
Physical Custody Disputes
Last but not least, you may need to modify the physical aspect of your custody agreement. Physical custody involves only how much time the child spends with each parent. For example, you might need to modify your agreement if you believe your ex is guilty of child abuse and they should no longer be spending time with your child.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Family Law Attorney in Georgia?
If you have been searching for an experienced family law attorney in Georgia, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. If you are wondering whether modifying your child custody agreement might help resolve issues in your family, internet research cannot provide accurate answers. The only way to know for sure whether this is the right path is to book a consultation with a qualified, experienced family law attorney. Reach out today to get started, and we will provide you with personalized, accurate guidance.
