Child Custody Attorney in Alpharetta

Experienced Child Custody Lawyer Serving Families in Fulton County, Forsyth County, & Beyond

When going through a divorce, reaching an agreement on child visitation and custody is often one of the most challenging parts of the process. These decisions can trigger financial and emotional concerns for everyone involved. 

With the help of the attorneys at Miles Hansford Law Firm in Alpharetta, you can work toward a custody agreement that supports your child's best interests while protecting your rights as a parent. 

We guide clients through the legal process, clarify parenting time arrangements, and work to create a practical path forward for your family’s future. Our commitment extends to supporting parents with clear legal information so they can make decisions with confidence, both now and as circumstances and needs change over time.

Call the experienced child custody attorney in Alpharetta at (770) 574-6688 or reach out online now. We offer free consultations and bilingual services to begin working on your case immediately.

Types of Custody in Georgia

Custody includes both legal and physical aspects of caring for a child. Physical custody covers where the child will live, and legal custody concerns the right to make important decisions about the child's upbringing, such as education and religion. Each type can be shared or granted to a single parent, depending on several specific factors.

Sole Custody

Sole physical custody means the child lives full-time with one parent. This arrangement may occur alongside sole legal custody or shared legal custody. When one parent holds sole custody, the noncustodial parent may have visitation rights. These visits might be supervised or unsupervised, based on the individual circumstances.

In Fulton and Forsyth Counties, courts may award sole custody only when it clearly supports the child’s safety or well-being. Courts typically consider whether a parent has demonstrated the ability to provide stable housing, prioritize the child’s needs, and foster a safe environment. 

Although sole custody places primary responsibility with one parent, the legal system aims to encourage the child’s relationship with both parents, unless serious risks are present.

Joint Custody

Both parents may share custody if each can provide a safe and supportive environment. Joint custody schedules often reflect the child's needs, considering work obligations and living arrangements for both parents.

Parenting plans under joint custody in the Alpharetta area often detail weekly schedules, holiday rotations, transportation plans, and communication rules. Georgia courts may require both parents to participate in the development of a joint parenting plan, which can be formalized with court approval during divorce proceedings.

For more information about child support and its effect on custody arrangements, contact our team.

Critical Factors Courts Consider in Custody Disputes

If you seek sole custody during your divorce or separation, you must show that the other parent cannot provide a safe environment due to issues like drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence, or a history of criminal behavior. Even if these issues are present, courts may allow supervised visits for the noncustodial parent.

Georgia courts base child custody decisions on the best interests of the child. Judges aim to create arrangements that support the child's well-being and encourage healthy relationships with both parents whenever possible.

Several factors influence child custody determinations in Georgia. The court looks at:

• each parent's ability to provide a stable home environment
• the child's emotional and developmental needs
• any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
• the existing relationship between the child and each parent, including each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent

Judges may also evaluate whether a parent lives within the same school district, enabling the child to maintain continuity in education. In the Alpharetta area, the court may consider which parent facilitates community ties—such as involvement in local sports teams or social groups— to minimize disruption during and after divorce proceedings. 

These and similar factors help the judge identify an arrangement that reflects the best interests of the child according to Georgia law, while addressing practical aspects unique to the Fulton and Forsyth County communities.

The Child Custody Process in Georgia

Navigating the child custody process can overwhelm families, especially during difficult times. At Miles Hansford, we believe understanding the process helps you move forward with confidence.

The child custody process typically includes these stages:

1. Initial Consultation: Meet with our attorneys to discuss your situation, goals, and concerns.
2. Filing for Custody: We help you prepare and file the necessary legal documents to start the custody process.
3. Mediation: Many cases benefit from mediation, where a neutral third party helps parents reach an agreement.
4. Court Hearings: If parents cannot agree, the case may go to court. A judge will make the final determination based on the child's best interests.
5. Final Custody Order: After the decision, the court issues a custody order outlining terms for custody and visitation.

We provide guidance and support at every stage, so you understand your rights and options. Our team works to protect your family's best interests and achieve a resolution that works for you and your child.

Parenting Plans

Georgia encourages parents to reach agreements through mediation. If parents cannot agree on custody, the court may require a parenting plan that covers how both parents will address their child's needs and divide parental responsibilities.

Our firm meticulously drafts these plans to protect your parental time and decision-making rights, covering:

• The Daily/Weekly Schedule: Detailed schedule outlining the child’s residence and time spent with each parent.
• Holidays and Vacation: A clear schedule for the division of holidays, birthdays, and school breaks.
• Transportation and Exchange: Stipulations regarding the method and location of transferring the child between parents.
• Decision-Making Authority: How medical, educational, religious, and extracurricular decisions will be made (Joint Legal Custody often requires clear tie-breaking mechanisms).

The court's goal is to create an arrangement that serves the child's best interests and ensures a supportive environment. Getting legal advice is key for parents navigating custody proceedings in Georgia.

Custody Modifications

Because children's needs or a parent's financial or personal situation may change, custody modifications can occur after a divorce is finalized. 

To change a final custody order, Georgia law generally requires the filing parent to prove two things:

• A material change of circumstance affecting the child’s welfare has occurred since the entry of the last custody order.
• The requested modification is in the best interest of the child.

The parental selection of a child who has reached the age of 14, in and of itself, constitutes a material change of circumstance, triggering the ability to seek modification

Enforcement of Custody Orders

Following a child custody order is not optional in Georgia. When one parent does not comply, the other can turn to the courts for enforcement. In Alpharetta, most cases are processed through the county’s Superior Court. Local judges are familiar with common visitation disputes, withheld parenting time, and interference with transfers.

If a parent consistently violates a custody arrangement, the court may issue remedies that could include make-up parenting time or, in severe cases, changes to the parenting plan. Judges assess the impact of violations on the child and typically advise both parents to resolve disagreements quickly through communication or mediation whenever possible. Ongoing issues may result in court-imposed penalties.

Parents in Fulton and Forsyth Counties should keep clear records of compliance, communication, and any missed exchanges. If enforcement becomes necessary, these details can help the court understand the problem and craft an effective solution. Legal support may help present your case clearly and work toward restoring a consistent and stable routine for your child.

Why Choose Miles Hansford Law Firm, LLC

When the stability and future of your child are at stake, you need a powerful child custody attorney in Alpharetta who is deeply familiar with the local courts and the stringent requirements of Georgia law. Miles Hansford Law Firm, LLC provides dedicated, compassionate, and experienced legal advocacy.

We are committed to providing immediate and accessible support during this challenging period. That is why we offer free consultations and bilingual services, ensuring that all parents, regardless of circumstance, can access the high-quality defense and legal counsel they need. Trust our firm to fight tirelessly for your parental rights and the best interests of your children.

For help determining the best custody and visitation arrangements for your family, call Miles Hansford at (770) 574-6688 or fill out our online form. Our Alpharetta child custody lawyer can help.