Ethan’s Law is a major update to Georgia custody law that strengthens child safety protections in high-conflict cases. If you’re navigating a custody dispute in Metro Atlanta, working with a child custody lawyer in Atlanta can help you understand how these changes may affect your parenting plan, court strategy, and the types of orders a judge is legally permitted to issue.
At Naggiar & Sarif, our Atlanta family law attorneys represent parents in complex custody disputes throughout Fulton County and surrounding Georgia courts. When safety concerns, reunification demands, or coercive control allegations arise, strategic legal advocacy is essential.
Ethan’s Law Explained
Ethan’s Law (Georgia HB 253) is a 2025–2026 update to Georgia child custody law that prohibits courts from ordering harmful “family reunification” treatments—including forced reunification camps, out-of-state placements, or coercive transport methods. The law prioritizes child safety and psychological well-being over forced reconciliation in high-conflict custody cases.
What Does Ethan’s Law Actually Prohibit?
Ethan’s Law was enacted to stop practices that placed children at risk under the label of “therapy” or “reunification.” Under HB 253, Georgia judges may not order the following:
Forced Reunification Camps
Courts can no longer require children to attend reunification retreats, workshops, or programs that involve forced separation from a primary or protective caregiver.
Out-of-State Placement
Judges are prohibited from ordering children to stay overnight in out-of-state hotels, camps, or residential facilities for reunification or therapy services.
Coercive Transport Methods
The use of private “youth transporters” who rely on force, restraint, or intimidation to move a child to a facility is expressly banned.
Orders That Violate Protective Measures
Courts may not order reunification services that would conflict with an existing protective order or “stay-away” order involving a parent or household member.
If protective orders are part of your situation, review our guidance on domestic violence protective orders in Atlanta or consult an Atlanta restraining order attorney for immediate legal protection.
These restrictions represent a clear shift in Georgia child custody laws for 2026, placing firm boundaries around what courts can require in the name of reunification.
Coercive Control: The “Invisible” Factor in 2026 Custody Cases
Recognizing the Pattern
Georgia courts are now paying closer attention to coercive control—a pattern of behavior that may include isolation, financial restriction, intimidation, or psychological manipulation. Rather than focusing on isolated incidents, judges evaluate whether a parent’s behavior creates an environment of fear or dependency that undermines a child’s emotional safety.
Beyond Physical Abuse
A parent does not need to prove physical violence to raise legitimate safety concerns. Under modern custody standards, emotional and psychological harm are legally significant when determining the best interests of the child. Ethan’s Law reinforces this shift by preventing courts from ordering “treatments” that dismiss or override a child’s expressed fear, distress, or resistance—especially when coercive control is present.
Custody disputes often intersect with parenting schedule changes and school-year transitions. For practical insight into modifying parenting arrangements, read: Back-to-School Co-Parenting Challenges in Atlanta.
When determining custody, Georgia judges apply the “best interests of the child” standard and evaluate multiple statutory factors. To better understand how Atlanta courts analyze custody decisions, review our guide on how Atlanta courts determine child custody.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethan’s Law
Can a judge still order a custody evaluation?
Yes. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, Georgia judges may still order custody evaluations, psychological assessments, or independent medical exams. However, they are now prohibited from recommending or requiring reunification services that involve coercive methods, forced separation, or out-of-state placement.
If you are preparing for litigation, working with an experienced Atlanta child custody attorney can help ensure safety concerns are properly documented and presented.
Does Ethan’s Law apply to my existing custody order?
Ethan’s Law became effective July 1, 2025. While it primarily applies to new cases and modifications filed after that date, it establishes a new statewide standard for what Georgia courts consider safe and appropriate in custody and reunification decisions.
If you are considering modifying an existing order, you may also want to understand how custody changes can affect financial issues. Helpful resources include: Child Support Modification Attorney in Atlanta, Modifying Alimony or Child Support in Atlanta, and Child Support Lawyer in Atlanta.
Why Ethan’s Law Matters in High-Conflict Custody Cases
Ethan’s Law reflects a broader change in how Georgia approaches child safety in family court. By limiting judicial authority to order harmful reunification practices, the law helps ensure children are not subjected to coercive or traumatic experiences under the guise of therapy.
High-conflict custody disputes frequently arise during divorce proceedings. If you are early in the process and weighing strategy, you may find this helpful: Does It Matter Who Files First in a Divorce in Georgia?
The Naggiar & Sarif Advantage in Georgia Custody Litigation
At Naggiar & Sarif, we represent parents throughout Atlanta and across Georgia in complex, high-conflict custody cases. Our attorneys understand how HB 253, O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3, custody evaluations, and evolving child safety standards intersect in real courtroom practice.
Whether your case involves coercive control allegations, contested reunification demands, protective orders, or custody modification proceedings, our firm develops litigation strategies focused on protecting children while safeguarding parental rights.
If your custody dispute is part of a broader divorce action, visit our Atlanta divorce attorney page to learn how we approach case strategy from temporary hearings through final resolution.
Protect Your Child’s Future
If your case involves allegations of coercive control, reunification demands, or child safety concerns, proactive legal guidance matters. Speak with an experienced Atlanta child custody lawyer at Naggiar & Sarif to understand how Ethan’s Law may impact your rights—and your child’s well-being.
Attorney Review & Authority
This article reflects Georgia custody law updates under HB 253 as effective July 1, 2025.