With the number of children born out of wedlock increasing from 18.4% in 2007 to 40% in 2019, the issue of fathers' rights, which are different for wed and unwed fathers, is an important one. Georgia residents should be aware of how these rights differ and how they affect issues of custody, visitation and support.
Single fathers and their rights
Child custody hearings and documentation
Georgia parents who are getting a divorce might have to go to court for a judge to make a child custody decision. They might need to submit certain documents to the court prior to the child custody hearing.
Tips for parenting teenagers after divorce
As many Georgia parents have experienced, parenting a teenager can be a delicate and complicated endeavor. Adolescence is a period for kids to figure out who they are, and that often comes with struggles with their parents. Dealing with a divorce on top of this can make parenting a teenager quite challenging. Having to co-parent with an ex-spouse can bring on further complications. However, there are things that parents can do together, even after divorce, to successfully parent their teenagers.
Co-parenting and divorce
Parents in Georgia who are divorced or in the process of getting a divorce and who are in a co-parenting relationship should take care to not involve their children in the divorce. The children may already have a sense that they are stuck in the middle of two parties in conflict, which can encourage them to assume responsibilities that they are too young to assume and that can stunt their emotional and mental development. To avoid this, parents should refrain from using their children as tools of communication with the other parent. The children should also be allowed to speak freely about the other household and their experiences.
Child custody decisions and the best interests of the child
When parents in Georgia go through a divorce, they must negotiate child custody and visitation. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the next step might be going to court. The standard used by a judge to make a decision about child custody is the best interests of the child.
Living conditions in Georgia can interfere with child custody
Each case is different, but when judges in the U.S. must make decisions regarding child custody and visitation disputes, they will often take into account a parent's living conditions. Children have certain essential rights, which need to be respected and attended to no matter who has custody or visitation rights.
The advantages of parallel parenting in high-conflict divorces
Divorcing Georgia couples may wonder how they can create a healthy environment for their children if they are unable to get along. A strong co-parenting relationship is the ideal situation, but this is not always possible. In some cases, parents simply have too much conflict to communicate and cooperate in the way that is necessary to successfully raise their kids together.
How some fathers may struggle over child custody, support
When fathers in Georgia get a divorce or are not married to the mother of their children, they may face problems with custody and visitation. Courts are supposed to give equal consideration to mothers and fathers, but although mothers may also struggle in family court sometimes, they also make up over 80 percent of custodial parents.
Co-parents should focus on their children
Georgia parents who have gone through a divorce may find it stressful to raise their children together. However, it is important that they recognize that the children have no say in how their parents choose to raise them. Therefore, it is important that the adults make decisions that are in the best interest of the children. This means that both parents should have a relationship with their offspring.
What rights do grandparents have in child custody?
If your son or daughter is caught up in divorce proceedings, or is already divorced, you may be struggling to see your grandchild. This can be a painful situation for grandparents and grandchildren alike. Luckily in Georgia, grandparents have the right to ask the court to order visitation rights.
