Attorney Robert F. Pirkle has been serving clients in Savannah and throughout Georgia with compassionate and effective legal representation since 1984.
Savannah Custody Attorney
Savannah Family Law Attorney – (912) 493-9506
Child custody battles are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of a divorce. The outcome of these cases can significantly impact both parents and children, making it crucial to have strong legal representation. At The Law Offices of Robert F. Pirkle, we have decades of experience helping families in Savannah resolve complex custody disputes while prioritizing the well-being of their children.
Whether you’re seeking sole custody, joint custody, or modifications to an existing agreement, our team is here to provide legal guidance and compassionate support throughout the process.
Protect Your Parental Rights – Contact Us Today!
Your child’s future is too important to leave to chance. Let us help you navigate your custody case with confidence. Call (912) 493-9506 or contact us online to get started.
Collaborative Solutions to Complex Custody Disputes
Child custody cases don’t always have to be a battle. Whenever possible, we encourage parents to explore alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and negotiation. These approaches can lead to faster, less expensive, and less stressful resolutions compared to litigation.
- Mediation: A neutral third-party mediator helps both parents discuss their goals and reach a mutually agreeable custody arrangement.
- Negotiation: Parents and their attorneys work together to create a customized custody plan without court intervention.
- Parenting Plans: A written agreement outlining each parent's responsibilities, time-sharing arrangements, and decision-making rights regarding their child.
When both parents cooperate, they can craft a parenting arrangement that suits their family's unique needs, ensuring stability and consistency for their child.
Understanding Mediation in Georgia
Mediation is an effective alternative to court battles that allows parents to settle custody disputes privately with the help of a mediator. Some key benefits include:
- Faster resolutions compared to litigation.
- Lower legal costs and court fees.
- Less emotional strain on parents and children.
- More control over the final custody agreement.
During mediation, the mediator does not take sides but rather facilitates productive discussions to help parents agree on critical issues like custody schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and holiday arrangements.
If mediation fails or is not suitable for the situation, Attorney Pirkle is prepared to take the case to trial and fight for the best possible outcome for you and your child.
What Factors Can Make a Parent Unfit for Custody?
Courts in Georgia determine custody based on the child's best interests, which means they assess each parent's ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. A parent may be deemed unfit if they exhibit behaviors that jeopardize the child's safety or well-being.
Some factors that can lead to a parent being considered unfit include:
- History of abuse or neglect (physical, emotional, or sexual).
- Substance abuse issues, such as drug or alcohol dependency.
- Severe mental health conditions that interfere with parenting.
- Criminal history, especially violent offenses or domestic violence.
- Chronic instability, such as frequent moves, unemployment, or homelessness.
If a parent is found unfit, the court may limit their visitation rights or, in extreme cases, terminate parental rights to protect the child.
Factors Courts Consider in Custody Cases
When deciding child custody cases, Georgia courts focus on the best interests of the child. This standard ensures that the child’s well-being, stability, and safety come first. Some key factors include:
Each Parent’s Relationship with the Child
- Who has been the child’s primary caregiver?
- The emotional bond between the child and each parent.
- The parent’s involvement in the child’s education, healthcare, and daily life.
Financial Stability and Home Environment
- Does each parent have a safe and stable home for the child?
- Can they provide food, clothing, medical care, and education?
- Any history of substance abuse or criminal behavior?
Education and Routine
- Will the child’s school and extracurricular activities be disrupted?
- Who is better able to maintain consistency in the child’s routine?
Courts may also consider the child’s preference, especially if they are 14 years or older.
Different Forms of Child Custody
Child custody disputes can become unexpectedly complicated in what feels like an instant for the parties involved. Many of these legal hurdles arise due to the different forms of child custody and trying to decide which are fair for your unique situation. Our family law firm in Savannah is committed to helping you reach an amicable solution that treats your children right.
The four forms of child custody in Georgia and other states are:
- Physical custody: A parent’s right to live with and house a child after divorce.
- Legal custody: A parent’s right to make important life decisions for a child, such as religious upbringing and medical decisions.
- Sole: A parent does not split a custody right at all with their ex-spouse.
- Joint: Both ex-spouses have some or equal control over custody rights.
Your child custody order will need to decide upon how both physical and legal custodies will be split jointly, or not at all if sole is elected instead. For example, if you win sole physical custody but joint legal custody, you will be the only parent capable of living with your child but you must consult with your ex-spouse when making important life decisions for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I modify a child custody agreement after a divorce?
- Yes, custody agreements can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances affecting the child’s well-being. This may include relocation, job changes, remarriage, or safety concerns.
Do Georgia courts favor mothers over fathers in custody cases?
- No. Georgia courts base custody decisions on what is in the child's best interests, not the parent's gender. Both mothers and fathers have equal rights to seek custody.
What happens if my ex refuses to follow the custody order?
- If one parent does not adhere to the court-ordered custody arrangement, the other parent can file a motion for contempt, which may result in legal penalties or modifications to custody.
Do grandparents have custody or visitation rights in Georgia?
- Yes, under certain circumstances, grandparents or other relatives can petition for custody or visitation, especially if they can prove that maintaining a relationship is beneficial to the child.
Can my child decide which parent they want to live with?
- Children aged 14 or older can express a preference, and courts usually consider their wishes unless it would harm their well-being. Children between 11 and 13 may also have input, but their preference carries less weight.
How long does a child custody case take in Georgia?
- The timeline varies depending on whether parents can reach an agreement. Mediation cases may resolve in a few months, while contested custody battles requiring court intervention can take several months to over a year.
HEAR IT FROM OUR CLIENTS
-
Mr. Pirkle and his staff did a great job for me
U.S. Army SSG David M. -
Best Choice in Choosing Robert F. Pirkle Law Firm.
John S. -
I’m More Grateful to You Mr. Pirkle Than Words Can Show
Elaine and G.W.
-
Over 100 Jury Trials Involving Serious Crimes
-
Free Initial Consultations Offered
-
Highly Rated by Past Clients
-
Success from Both Sides of Court
-
Direct Attention from Your Attorney
-
More Than 35 Years of Experience
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (912) 493-9506.