If you are considering filing for divorce in Georgia, or are in the midst of divorce proceedings, and have a child or children, you must be wondering about Georgia child custody concerns. Georgia child custody law can be very complex, which is why it’s important to have an experienced Atlanta child custody attorney representing you. There are different custody arrangements possible under Georgia law. Here’s a look at one possible option: sole child custody.

Sole child custody in Georgia is distinct from another possible Georgia child custody arrangement, joint custody. Sole custody means that one parent has both physical and legal custody of the child. In other words, the child lives with that parent, and that parent has the full responsibility of making decisions on behalf of that child.

When is sole child custody awarded in Georgia?

Sole child custody is most often granted in Georgia when one parent is determined to be unfit in some way to be responsible for the child. There are various factors courts take into considering when determining the “fitness” of a parent, but a general rule of thumb is whether spending time with that parent would be detrimental to the child.

An important distinction that should be made in this regard is that sole custody does not necessarily mean that the non-custodial parent will be automatically denied visitation rights. It’s possible that the courts may deny the non-custodial parent visitation for the same reasons they denied joint custody, but it varies widely on a case by case basis.

If you’re wondering if sole child custody would be in the best interests of your child or children, contact an experienced Georgia child custody attorney. They can assist you in determining the best arrangement for you and your children under Georgia law.

Image courtesy lindsey gee on Flickr.