Child custody is one of the most important factors that parents face in a divorce case. Oftentimes parents turn to the internet to prepare for what they can expect and, while preparation can be incredibly helpful, you can’t always believe everything that you read online! Not to mention that laws evolve and change on a regular basis. Below, the family law experts at Oxendine Law provide some clarification on the current status of child custody in Georgia.

True or False: Once a Parenting Time schedule is established, parents cannot deviate from the court order.

False! Courts understand that generally parents can cooperate to make a schedule that best accommodates their child and their individual circumstances. Also, Courts understand that situations, schedules, and obligations change. That’s why parents are allowed to follow any schedule they choose and alter the parenting time schedule anytime they can agree. This includes the day-to-day schedule, Summer schedule and holiday schedules. Only if the parents do not agree are they forced to abide directly by the Parenting Plan schedule implemented by the Court.

True or False: Joint Custody Means That Neither Spouse Will Have to Pay Child Support

This is false. All child support payments are determined by the required Child Support Calculator. Even if the parties share equal time, one parent will likely still owe a child support obligation to the other parent. In rare cases where the parties earn the same gross monthly income and share equal parenting time, the amounts may be offset so that neither party owes the other a child support payment, but that is not the norm.

True or False: Most cases end in the parties reaching an agreement as to custody and parenting time.

This is true. Even in contentious cases, most times the parents are able to put their differences aside and reach an agreement in the best interest of the children. This is where having an experienced attorney is a huge benefit! A skilled family law attorney will know how to navigate negotiations and offer creative solutions catered to your family’s unique situation. That saves the parents a lot of headache, heartache, and money.

We understand that navigating complicated issues in a divorce can be frustrating and intimidating. That’s why our family law experts do everything we can to guide our clients to a positive outcome. If you have any family law needs of your own, contact Oxendine Law at (770) 497-8688 today to schedule a legal consultation in-person, over the phone, or by video conference. Don’t forget to follow along with us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram for additional family law tips, news, radio segments, and more.