The Broad Latitude of Courts in Custody Proceedings

When it comes to child custody and questions regarding the mental or physical capacity of one or both of the parents, family courts throughout Georgia and the rest of the country have wide-ranging powers to control, compel and make orders.

“Courts have wide authority to order just about anything once physical or mental capability comes into question,” says one family law expert.

Factors that affect the emotional stability of a caregiver are of central interest to the court, and a judge has broad latitude to examine whatever he or she thinks necessary if it is brought into question and deemed relevant to custody and a child’s best interests.

That includes, for example, drinking behaviors and alleged drug use, for which a judge can order testing, rehab and professional evaluations. If a former partner alleges sexual promiscuity and/or unhealthy behaviors, a judge can test for communicable diseases. Courts routinely assess flight risk, matters regarding assets and ability to pay, allegations of violence, employment-related issues and many other things.

Says one family law advocate: “The court can order just about anything in your personal life tested and periodically reviewed.”

That is strong impetus for anticipating challenges that might exist and getting things in order before a court date. Custody proceedings can be complex and full of challenges, and an experienced divorce attorney with a full understanding of the scope and variety of issues that can feature concerning custody can help make a material difference in a custody outcome.

Related Resource: www.sunherald.com “Family court can pull passports, order drug testing and more during custody proceedings” April 7, 2011

Reach Out To Our Experienced Team For Help With Your Legal Issues

How The Siemon Law Firm Can Help

Contact our Georgia Family Law Firm by calling 770-888-5120 or by completing this contact form.

An attorney will respond within 24 business hours.

    Fields marked with an * are required

    I Have Read The Disclaimer *

    Our Office Locations

    Cumming, Georgia

    347 Dahlonega St #100,
    Cumming, GA 30040 770-888-5120 Cumming Law Office Map

    Marietta, Georgia

    1850 Parkway Pl Suite 715,
    Marietta, GA 30067 770-888-5312 Marietta Law Office Map

    Alpharetta, Georgia

    4555 Mansell Rd,
    Alpharetta, GA 30022
    770-888-5093 Alpharetta Law Office Map

    Atlanta, Georgia

    3400 Peachtree Rd NE Suite 555,
    Atlanta, GA 30326 770-888-5078 Atlanta Law Office Map