In Georgia, when a couple with children divorces or separates, their child's custody is determined by a judge. Even if both parents agree to custody issues for their child, a Court still needs to approve the custody arrangement. The judge shall look at the best interest of the child to make this decision. But what does that mean? The best interest of the child is a standard that does not focus on the parents, but rather looks forward and attempts to determine the child's best interests now and in the future. In Georgia, the best interest of the child is a statutory list of factors judges may look at when determining custody issues. This list of potential factors includes: the love, affection, bonding, and emotional ties existing between each parent and the child; capacity of the parent; parent's knowledge of the child; parent's ability to provide daily needs for child; parent's home environment (nurture and safety); stability; mental health of parent; physical heal
The Law Office of Christine M Bechtold provides family law, VA disability appeals, and general legal services in Georgia.