Contested child custody cases can be among the most challenging and emotional legal matters a parent can face. If you are in the midst of a custody battle, an Alpharetta family lawyer from Speights Law can help you.
We understand the stress and uncertainty you are experiencing and are here to guide you through the entire process. We have more than 20 years of experience helping families throughout Georgia resolve their differences.
Our Alpharetta contested child custody lawyers will put your child’s well-being first while protecting your parental rights. We know your family is unique, so we will provide legal support that fits your situation. Call us today to review your legal options during a private consultation.
Why do Contested Child Custody Disagreements Happen?
Contested child custody disagreements can happen for various reasons. Here are some common ones:
Different Parenting Styles
Parents may have different ideas about how to raise their children, leading to disagreements over custody arrangements. These differences can include education choices, discipline methods, and religious upbringing.
Relocation
If one parent wants to move to a different city, state, or even country, it can lead to a custody disagreement, as the move could affect the child’s life and the other parent’s visitation rights.
Unresolved Conflicts
Past conflicts or ongoing issues between parents can make it difficult for them to agree on custody arrangements. Relocating can also complicate maintaining regular contact and stability for the child.
New Relationships
If one parent starts a new relationship, the other parent might worry about how this change will impact the child, leading to a custody dispute.
Child’s Preferences
As children get older, they might have preferences about which parent they want to live with, which can lead to disagreements. According to state law, the court can consider a child’s age and maturity when weighing their preference to live with a certain parent.
Safety Concerns
One parent might believe the other parent cannot provide a safe environment for the child, prompting a custody dispute. This concern could be based on issues like substance abuse, neglect, or an unstable living situation.
These are just a few reasons why contested child custody disagreements happen. Before a parent can modify a custody agreement in Georgia, they must make their case in court and provide evidence to support it.
How Our Alpharetta Contested Child Custody Dispute Lawyers Can Help
We have a deep understanding of Georgia family law and extensive experience in local courts. Our contested child custody attorneys in Alpharetta have handled cases involving various types of situations and can handle the complexities of your case.
We aim to help you achieve a custody arrangement that serves the best interests of your child and provides stability and peace of mind for your family. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we are committed to a fair and favorable outcome.
When we represent you, we will lead your entire case. We will:
- Help you understand child custody laws: We will explain Georgia’s child custody laws so that you know which ones affect your case.
- Determine the proper custody agreement: We can review the agreement that fits your situation, such as legal custody (decision-making power) vs. physical custody (where the child lives). We can discuss shared custody vs. custody being awarded to one parent.
- Handle case documents: Our team will take care of all the paperwork and file your case on time.
- Collect case evidence: We will gather important information to support your custody change request. Your evidence can include character references, school records, medical and health records, and financial statements.
- Represent you in court: We will stand up for you in family court and protect your rights.
- Protect your rights: Our Alpharetta lawyers for contested child custody will work hard to get a custody agreement that works for you and your child.
- Manage appeals: If the court does not rule in your favor, we can handle your appeal. Our team will review your case, identify any legal errors, and build a strong appeal to fight for a better outcome.
We will review your situation and determine the best approach. We want to understand your concerns and goals. Call us today for a confidential consultation.
Tips for Preparing for an Alpharetta Child Custody Hearing
Getting ready for a custody hearing is key to presenting a strong case. We understand if you have concerns or feel nervous about the custody hearing. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the big day:
Here are five tips to help you get ready for your custody hearing:
- Gather evidence: Keep a journal of your interactions with your child and collect important records like school, medical, and financial documents.
- Organize documents: Use a binder to organize your documents and make multiple copies for the court and the other party.
- Practice your testimony: Rehearse key points about your role in your child’s life, focusing on their best interests, and stay calm and respectful during the hearing.
- Work with your child custody attorney: Share all relevant information with your lawyer and follow their advice when preparing and presenting your case.
- Prepare witnesses and childcare: Identify supportive witnesses and arrange reliable childcare for the hearing day to stay focused.
- Self-care: Take care of your physical and emotional well-being in the days leading up to the hearing to ensure you are in the best possible state to present your case.
Call Us for Help from Our Alpharetta Contested Child Custody Lawyers
Whether you want to change a custody agreement or keep the one you have, the Alpharetta contested child custody lawyers at Speights Law can advise you on your next steps. We care about you and your child and want the best arrangement that works for everyone.
We have the legal experience and resources to lead your case. To get started, call us today for a private consultation. We offer flexible evening and weekend appointments to meet your scheduling needs.