After a divorce or breakup, you and your ex might develop different parenting styles. At a certain point, the contrast between these two approaches may be so great that it begins to affect the child. When can you modify your child custody agreement in Georgia because of your ex’s parenting style? This is a question you might want to ask an experienced family law attorney.
What if My Ex is Too Strict?
A strict parent is not necessarily a “bad” or abusive parent. Your ex may have the right to raise the child in the way they see fit, and you may struggle to modify your custody agreement simply because your ex enforces more rules or uses more severe punishment methods. As long as your ex shares “legal custody” (the right to make major decisions about your child’s upbringing), they may be allowed to take a stricter approach.
That being said, some parenting styles go beyond the boundaries of “strict” and become child abuse. For example, your ex might physically beat your child until they develop severe bruises or permanent injuries. This would constitute child abuse, and it should lead to swift legal action. Note that in Georgia, corporal (physical) punishment is allowed among parents. For example, a light/moderate spanking would likely not constitute child abuse under Georgia law.
What if My Ex is Too Liberal?
Of course, you might have the complete opposite concern. Perhaps you believe that your ex is “too liberal” or not strict enough when interacting with your child. Maybe your ex is teaching your child that casual, unprotected sex is perfectly natural, or that it’s okay to wear extremely revealing clothing. Maybe your ex allows your child to roam the streets at night and come home whenever they feel like it.
Again, it may be difficult to determine the line between a liberal parenting style and actual child neglect. That being said, a parent who fails to properly supervise their child or protect them against obvious hazards could be concerning in the eyes of the family court. In Georgia, there is no specific age at which a child is legally allowed to roam the streets without adult supervision. That being said, the Division of Family and Children Services states that a child might be able to function without adult supervision at age 15.
Polar Opposite Parenting Styles Should Be Addressed
It makes sense to address polar opposite parenting styles, at least during alternative dispute resolution (ADR) outside of court. A new, negotiated parenting agreement helps make sure everyone is on the same page, and it limits future legal issues. A child may also become highly confused when spending time with parents who enforce drastically different rules.
Can a Child Custody Attorney in Georgia Help Me?
A child custody attorney in Georgia may be able to help if you are concerned about your ex’s parenting style. While the family court will not intervene simply because you do not agree with your ex’s approach to childcare, you should be able to modify your agreement if your ex is negatively affecting your child’s best interests. Learn more about the next potential steps by contacting Lankford & Moore Law at 678-753-4529.
