Georgia’s Rules on Joint Custody and Shared Parenting

In Georgia, joint custody and shared parenting are important aspects of family law that prioritize the best interests of the child. Understanding Georgia’s rules on joint custody can help parents navigate the complex landscape of custody arrangements and ensure a cooperative co-parenting relationship.

Joint custody in Georgia is categorized into two types: joint legal custody and joint physical custody. Joint legal custody allows both parents to make significant decisions regarding the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religion. On the other hand, joint physical custody refers to the child's living arrangements and time spent with each parent.

In most cases, the courts prefer joint custody arrangements, as they foster a continued relationship between the child and both parents. When determining custody arrangements, the Georgia courts utilize the "best interests of the child" standard which considers several factors:

• Parental involvement and relationship with the child
• The child's needs and preferences, depending on their maturity
• Each parent's mental and physical health
• The parenting skills of each parent
• The ability of each parent to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent
• Any history of domestic violence or abuse

In Georgia, parents can also prepare a parenting plan outlining how they will share responsibilities and make decisions regarding their child. This plan is crucial as it serves as a roadmap for the co-parenting arrangement. It should include specific details addressing:

• School and extracurricular activities
• Holiday and vacation schedules
• Transportation responsibilities
• Communication methods between parents

The Georgia family courts may enforce the parenting plan if disputes arise, making it essential for parents to agree on the arrangements. Failure to comply with the parenting plan can lead to legal consequences and a modification of custody arrangements.

In cases where parents cannot agree on joint custody or a parenting plan, mediation may be required before proceeding to a hearing. Mediation provides a more collaborative approach to resolving disputes and can help parents find common ground for the sake of their child.

Georgia law also acknowledges that “shared parenting” is not a defined legal term but is often used to describe arrangements where both parents actively participate in the child’s life. Shared parenting emphasizes cooperation, effective communication, and mutual respect, allowing children to maintain strong relationships with both parents.

In conclusion, understanding Georgia’s rules on joint custody and shared parenting is crucial for parents navigating custody arrangements. By focusing on the best interests of the child, creating detailed parenting plans, and embracing mediation when necessary, parents can foster healthy co-parenting relationships that benefit their children.