Separated or divorced parents in Georgia will need to create a parenting plan that works for the entire family. Since children deserve to keep a bond with both parents, even after a split, figuring out a coparenting agreement is one of the most important aspects of a separation.
Successful coparenting is a slow process
Tips on successful co-parenting
Sharing child custody can be difficult for many divorced parents in Georgia. For the arrangement to go smoothly, an ex-couple will have to develop communication strategies that minimize conflict. Since struggles with communication might have been a problem during the marriage, working this issue out post-divorce can be an even bigger challenge.
Overcoming bias against fathers in child custody cases
Traditionally, fathers served as providers, and mothers took care of the children. When divorces occurred in the past, it was assumed that a father would continue to provide for the children, and the mother would handle their care. Men in Georgia who are looking to get custody of their children may fear discrimination or a bias in favor of mothers.
Single fathers and their rights
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.
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.
