We Are Leading Family Law Attorneys & Fathers' Rights Advocates
For various reasons, including old-fashioned conventional beliefs, fathers are often seen as unwilling or incapable of caring for their children. However, most fathers can provide their children with the same care, affection and parental guidance that a mother can.
In fact, there is no presumption in Georgia law that a mother is automatically entitled to custody. Courts can and do award custody to fathers, based on the principle of what is in "the best interest of the child."
We do not believe that custody of the children is right for every father, however, every father should have an equal right to custody. If you work 12 hours a day and travel several weeks out of the month, then custody may not be for you, unless the mother is being derelict in her duties. However, if you have played an active role in parenting the children, caring for their needs, attending medical appointments, attending school functions and PTA meetings, then the Courts will look at the history and may determine that joint or even full custody should be awarded to you.
Fathers as joint or primary caretakers of the children has happened more and more often over the past years as more and more mothers enter the workforce. Our goal is to help fathers prepare and present a reasonable parenting plan that is consistent with their family's history and needs.
Edwards & Associates has obtained sole custody and joint custody for many Georgia fathers. We understand the applicable law and can argue persuasively in fathers' rights matters. Read about some of our father's rights success stories.
Father's Rights and Georgia Law
For a father to obtain custody it is not necessary to prove that the mother is an unfit parent. What is needed is some evidence that living with the father would better serve the children's interests.
Unfortunately, while going through a divorce, a father's loving relationship with his children can be jeopardized. The father who has seen his children every day and has participated equally in their upbringing may now see them every other weekend. You may feel obligated to give in to the mother's demands in exchange for more time with your children. Many times, fathers end up being victimized by unreasonably high child support payments and limited visitation with their children.
Nevertheless, you can take action to protect your rights. If you feel that you would be the better custodial parent and you have evidence and witnesses to support your case, we can help you.
Child Support, Move-aways and Paternity
If you have been ordered to pay child support, if conditions change significantly, you can seek a modification of the amount. If income or custody arrangements have changed, we can seek a change in your child support payment.
If the mother wishes to move away with your children, you can ask the court for custody of the children to minimize the disruption in their lives. In some counties, as soon as the mother is served, an order issues that automatically prevents the children from leaving the state. In other counties, you may request an emergency hearing to prevent the move until a final determination of custody. Our lawyers understand how various courts in Georgia view such matters and can take action on your behalf.
If you are not married to the mother, Edwards & Associates can file an action to establish paternity and obtain custody or visitation rights.
Parental Alienation Syndrome
Parental Alienation Syndrome is a putative disorder proposed by Richard A. Gardner as "a disturbance in which children are obsessively preoccupied with depreciation and/or criticism of a parent. In other words, denigration that is unjustified and or exaggerated." Although Parental Alienation Syndrome has not gained official recognition as a psychological disorder, Georgia case law has recognized it in child custody disputes. In short, PAS is when one parent (usually the custodial parent) attempts to systematically destroy the other parent's relationship with their children. This often occurs when the ex spouse has moved on to a new relationship and the custodial parent attempts to destroy their relationship with the children in retaliation.
Read about some of our fathers' rights success stories.
404.841.0155
Call us today or send us an e-mail to set up your one-hour, private consultation or fill out a free case evaluation form
We serve clients throughout the Greater Atlanta, Georgia, area through offices in Gwinnett, Cobb and Fulton County. We also practice in Forsyth, Clayton, Rockdale and Dekalb.
.
