Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

change of custody

My child's father and I share joint custody. He's on the west coast I'm on the east. In short , I feel forced to have to give him custody to keep the peace but I would like to know how to go about it. I'm guessing it's just a matter of changing the physical custody. But because he's not a stable person financially and has never truly cared for a child before, I want to know if the change has to be a permanent or what. I was just going to let him get him without the legal involvement but a friend told me not to leave it up to him because after the child has 6 months of living in a nother state with him he could go behind my back and petition that states court for custody and if I can't show he may say I neglected him. What options are out there for situations such as this? Please respond if you're near Atlanta area for consultation or if not help if you can. thanks.


Asked on 5/27/04, 1:52 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Phillip A. Strickland Law Offices

Re: change of custody

You should certainly consult an attorney. Some thoughts: When you say joint custody, is that joint legal, or physical, or both. As I wouldnt know how a dual-coast joint physical custody arrangement would work, I assume you have joint legal custody with you as primary physical custodian. You dont mention the age of the child but changing such a custody situation would seem disruptive, certainly to a school-age child. You also arent very clear as why you want the change. If you were to give up physical custody to your ex-husband then you typically would be forced to pay support. Also, what jurisdiction is your divorce decree from?

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Answered on 5/27/04, 2:50 am


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