Macon, Georgia Child Custody Lawyer
Protecting the Best Interests of Your Children
Child custody issues are often the most hotly contested aspect of divorce. I work to help both parents see that no one wins in the long run by fighting over the kids. Children are damaged when they are drawn into the middle. Litigation eats up precious family resources and can bring resentment and bitterness. And if a judge determines custody arrangements, it is likely that neither will be happy with the outcome.
If you can come to an out-of-court agreement to share parenting, there is less likelihood you will be back in court over a custodial dispute. I will represent you fiercely if the other parent is trying to use the children as a weapon, but my first and foremost concern is the welfare of your child.
My family law practice serves men and women in Bibb County and throughout Middle Georgia. Contact the law office of Margrett A. Skinner for a confidential consultation.
Custody and Visitation
I am a firm believer that both parents should have a lot of time with their children. Unless there are legitimate issues of substance abuse, child abuse or other dangers, Georgia courts have the same philosophy.
Typically in a divorce, both parents have joint legal custody — access to the child's records and shared decision-making about school, extra-curriculars, health care and religious upbringing.
With joint legal custody, one parent will have physical custody and the other will have visitation. (Shared custody is rare — it is hard to manage and not always healthy for a child to bounce back and forth). Standard visitation is every other weekend, but it depends on the county and the judge — in Bibb, Peach, Houston, Jones, Baldwin and Crawford counties, non-custodial parents may get additional days during the week, every other holiday and weekend, or extra weeks in the summer.
I can help you stand your ground on the most important issues while negotiating a workable child custody plan that is custom-fitted to your unique situation — work schedules, children's activities, vacations and family traditions. Going to court should be the last resort. Psychologists and social workers will poke into your personal life, and a judge may impose a plan that creates havoc with your life.
I am compassionate, aggressive when you need me to be, and I have 21 years of experience in child custody and related issues. I offer a free initial phone consultation at (478) 742-7400.
