A parenting plan is a required document in Georgia custody cases that explains where a child lives, how visitation works, and who makes decisions about education, healthcare, and activities. If parents cannot agree, a judge will create the plan based on the child’s best interests.

Yes. Parenting plans must include clear schedules for holidays, school breaks, and vacations. This prevents conflict and ensures children enjoy stability year after year.

Yes. Parenting plans can be modified if there is a material change in circumstances — such as a parent relocating, changes in work schedules, or concerns about a child’s welfare. Courts always base modifications on the child’s best interests.

If parents cannot agree, the court may require mediation. If mediation fails, the judge will issue a parenting plan that meets the child’s best interests, even if it doesn’t reflect either parent’s preference.

The more detailed, the better. Judges encourage plans that include daily routines, transportation arrangements, holiday schedules, and conflict-resolution methods. A clear plan reduces future disputes.

Courts use the “best interests of the child” standard. Judges look at factors like emotional bonds, stability, each parent’s caregiving history, and sometimes the child’s own preference.

Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about a child’s upbringing, such as schooling and healthcare. Physical custody refers to where the child lives most of the time.

Children age 11 and older may share their preference with the court. At age 14, a child’s choice is strongly considered unless it is not in their best interests.

It means the court will always prioritize the child’s safety, stability, and overall well-being. Factors include home environment, school ties, each parent’s involvement, and any history of neglect or abuse.

Currently, Georgia uses the Income Shares Model, which combines both parents’ gross income to determine a base support amount. Adjustments are made for childcare costs, health insurance, and other expenses. Beginning in 2026, Georgia is revising its child support calculator, incorporating new rules that will change how certain expenses and parenting time are factored into the final support amount.

Yes. Child support may be modified if there is a change in income, parenting time, or a child’s financial needs. Parents usually must show a substantial change in circumstances before any modifications are considered.

If child support isn’t paid, Georgia courts can enforce the order through wage garnishment, license suspension, or contempt proceedings. Nonpayment can carry serious legal consequences such as incarceration.

Yes. The parent with primary physical custody usually receives child support payments from the other parent. Parenting time directly affects the calculation — if both parents have nearly equal time with the child, the court may adjust the amount of child support owed.

An uncontested divorce may be finalized in as little as 31 days. A contested divorce can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case including custody, property, and financial issues.

An uncontested divorce may be finalized in as little as 31 days. A contested divorce can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case including custody, property, and financial issues.

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all terms, including custody and property division. In a contested divorce, disagreements must be resolved in court, often leading to longer timelines and higher costs.

Traditional divorce can cost $10,000–$20,000 or more in attorney’s fees. At FlatFeeFamilyLaw.com, we offer flat-fee divorce pricing of ,500 for a contested divorce and ,000 for an uncontested divorce, so you know your total cost from the beginning.

FlatFeeFamilyLaw.com gives families peace of mind by removing uncertainty about legal costs. Instead of paying by the hour, you’ll know exactly what you’ll spend, no matter how long the process takes.

Under Georgia law, when a child is born to an unmarried mother, only she has legal custody. Even if the father is on the birth certificate or paying child support, that alone does not give him custody or visitation rights. To gain legal parental status, a father must file a Petition for Legitimation.

Yes. Mothers can contest legitimation if granting it would not be in the child’s best interests. A petition may be denied if the man is not the biological father, if he abandoned his opportunity interest by failing to form a bond with the child, or if he is unfit due to neglect, abuse, or instability.

Paternity establishes the biological relationship between a father and child, which is often used to set child support obligations. Legitimation, however, is the legal process that gives an unmarried father rights to custody and visitation. Without legitimation, a father may have financial responsibilities but no parental rights.

Legitimation is required before an unmarried father can seek custody or visitation in Georgia. For mothers, understanding legitimation is critical because a Petition for Legitimation can significantly affect custody, parenting time, and child support.

Flat-fee pricing means you’ll pay one fixed amount for your case from start to finish. There are no hidden fees, no hourly billing, and no surprise invoices.

With retainers and hourly billing, costs can spiral out of control. Flat-fee pricing ensures predictability and fairness, aligning our incentives with yours, to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.

We offer flat-fee pricing for divorce, custody disputes, child support, and legitimation cases across Georgia.

Flat-fee pricing allows you to focus on your case without worrying about hourly charges. Clients stay informed and engaged without fear of inflated bills — leading to better outcomes.