Developing a Parenting Plan to Protect Your Child's Best Interests
If you are divorcing in Georgia and have children, you will need to file a parenting plan with the court. At The Siemon Law Firm, our lawyers are here to guide you through the divorce process while protecting your rights as a parent and the best interests of your children. With offices in Alpharetta, Cumming and Atlanta, we represent fathers and mothers throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.
What Is a Parenting Plan?
In Georgia, a parenting plan will spell out how you and your ex-spouse will co-parent your children following your divorce. You and your spouse will need to decide:
- Who will have legal custody? Legal custody is the right to make important decisions for your child, such as religious upbringing, education, medical care and extra curricular activities. Legal custody can be joint, with the mother or with the father. If you have joint legal custody, you will have to decide how disagreements will be resolved.
- Who will be the primary physical custodian? This means where your child will live. Primary physical custody can be with the father, with the mother or joint. If you have more than one child, your children can have different primary physical custodians.
- How will parenting time be shared? When one parent has primary physical custody of children, the other parent typically will have parenting time, according to a written schedule. Another word for parenting time is "visitation." An example of parenting time would be for the noncustodial parent to have the child on the first and third weekend of every month, on the parent's birthday, on alternate holidays, and for extended periods of time during school breaks and summer vacation.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on a parenting plan, then mediation may provide a way to reach a resolution out of court. If your case needs to be litigated in court, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of your children in court.
If there is a history of domestic violence in your marriage, that can have a significant effect on your parenting plan. The court may order sole custody for the abused spouse.
Contact Our Atlanta Parenting Plan Attorneys Today
If you need to create a parenting plan, our lawyers are here to advise you. Please contact us today and arrange a personal, discreet and helpful consultation.
