Shared Parenting Arrangements in a Georgia Divorce
While it is not the norm in the state of Georgia, true shared parenting agreements are possible where parents are able to work together effectively in order to share their children. There are two different types of custody – legal and physical. Legal custody refers to the authority and ability of parents to make important decisions about their children, including matters concerning medical care, education, and religious upbringing. In a shared custody arrangement, parents have legal joint custody, which means that they must cooperate to make these decisions together.
Physical custody, however, refers to where children primarily live. In many cases, children live an equal amount of time with each parent, either alternating weeks or even days. Logistically, this is an easier arrangement when the parents live in the same area or relatively close to one another. Extensive distance between the parties usually makes such an arrangement impossible. When children become school age, it is also helpful to a shared parenting arrangement if the parents are living in the same school district.
Nonetheless, just because the parents have shared parenting time, doesn’t necessarily mean that there will be no child support order. If each parent has equal parenting time with the children and each has approximately the same income, there is likely to be no child support order. However, if one parent has a much higher income than the other, or other certain circumstances exist, there may very well be a child support order put into place, despite the shared parenting agreement.
Contact us or call today to learn how Shaw Law can work with you to achieve the best outcome possible for you and your children.
Scott Shaw is founder and principle of Shaw Law Firm LLC, founded in 1995 and dedicated solely to divorce, family law and child custody matters that must be addressed and decided in the state of Georgia. Shaw Law Firm serves the greater Metro Atlanta area, particularly the counties of Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth, Paulding, Henry, Fayette, Coweta, Newton, Walton, Bartow and Douglas. Schedule a consultation today at 770-594-8309.