Savannah Custody Attorney 

Child custody battles are probably the most difficult and emotional aspect of any divorce and so should be carefully navigated with the help of a skilled Savannah child custody lawyer. Attorney Robert Pirkle has handled many cases related to family law and draws from more than 35 years of legal experience. Our law firm, The Law Offices of Robert F. Pirkle, can help you explore and overcome the complex and sensitive issues surrounding your child custody case with confidence and ease. Our goal will be to ensure that your family’s and your children's best interests can be upheld any satisfy any of your legal obligations.

You can learn more about child custody laws in Georgia now by contacting our law office.

Collaborative Solutions to Intricate Issues

Savannah child custody Attorney Pirkle understands just what is on the line during any child custody matter and approaches every case with the highest level of ethics in mind. We also regularly encourage our clients to consider the benefits of working collaboratively through the child custody dispute process by utilizing mediation or negotiation. If an alternative dispute resolution option will work, you and your former spouse can come to a mutually agreeable plan that honors your family's unique dynamic with as little stress as possible.

Understanding Mediation in Savannah

The legal process of mediation in a family law case involves choosing an attorney who can act as a mediator, such as Attorney Pirkle. Both you and your ex-spouse will sit together with the mediator and discuss the objectives you would each like to see at the end of your child custody case. The mediator does not take sides or try to move the conversation in one direction or another, but instead provides clarity for legal questions and generally promotes cooperation. In the end, mediation tends to take less time and cost less money than needing to go to court.

If needed, Attorney Pirkle can also be trusted to take any custody matter to trial and litigate your matter to secure the best possible outcome, all while protecting your family and minimizing your courtroom exposure. The courts will always act under the presumption of making decisions based on the best interests of your children.

What Makes a Parent Unfit in Georgia?

In Georgia, a parent may be deemed unfit based on various criteria that prioritize the child's best interests and welfare. Parents who are unfit usually display behaviors or conditions that compromise their children's safety, health, or emotional well-being. Whether someone has been abused physically, emotionally, or sexually is a primary determinant. Parental unfitness can also be demonstrated by neglect, which includes failure to provide food, shelter, and medical care. Substance abuse issues, including chronic alcohol or drug dependency, further compromise a parent's ability to care for their child appropriately.

Additionally, mental illness or severe psychological disorders that hinder the parent's ability to perform parenting duties may be considered. Criminal behavior, particularly violent crimes or those involving domestic violence, can indicate an unfit parent. A pattern of instability, such as frequent relocations, inability to maintain a job, or erratic behavior, also factors into this assessment.

Every case is evaluated individually by the court, taking into account evidence and testimony from professionals like social workers, therapists, and educators. The overriding goal is to ensure a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for the child. If a parent is found unfit, the court may alter custody arrangements, limit visitation, or, in extreme cases, terminate parental rights to protect the child's well-being.