Shared parenting in Georgia involves both parents playing an active role in raising their children after separation or divorce. State law focuses on the best interests of the child, which means custody decisions aim to support stability, safety, and ongoing involvement from both parents.
Legal custody and physical custody
Georgia separates custody into two categories: legal and physical. Legal custody means decision-making power over important matters like education, health care, and religion. Physical custody refers to where the child lives most of the time. In shared parenting, both parents often share legal custody, while physical custody can be split in a way that fits the child’s routine.
Parenting plans guide the arrangement
The court requires a written parenting plan. This outlines how time with the child is divided, how parents will make decisions, and how they’ll handle future conflicts. You can create the plan together or let the court decide if you can’t agree. The plan must support regular, meaningful contact with both parents unless it’s not in the child’s best interest.
Best interests of the child come first
Georgia courts look at several factors when approving or deciding a shared custody plan. These include each parent’s involvement in the child’s life, ability to care for the child, home environment, and willingness to support a healthy relationship with the other parent. The court may also consider the child’s wishes if they are 14 or older.
Flexibility matters in shared custody
Shared parenting doesn’t always mean a 50/50 time split. The schedule should fit your child’s needs, school calendar, and the distance between homes. Courts favor arrangements that allow both parents to stay involved, but also provide consistency for the child. Open communication and flexibility help make shared custody work smoothly.
Shared parenting can work well when both parents stay focused on their child’s well-being and stay committed to working together.