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Atlanta Child Custody Attorney

Experienced Atlanta Child Custody Attorneys: Safeguarding Your Family’s Future

Atlanta Child Custody Attorney

Child custody disputes can be emotionally taxing and legally intricate. At Naggiar & Sarif, our dedicated Atlanta child custody attorneys are committed to guiding you through every phase, protecting your parental rights and prioritizing your child’s well-being. With over two decades of family law expertise, we’ve supported families throughout Atlanta in resolving custody disputes, creating parenting plans, and addressing visitation issues with care and precision.

Whether you’re navigating a divorce, seeking to modify an existing custody order, or tackling multi-state jurisdictional challenges, our team delivers personalized solutions. Contact us today at (404) 816-2004 or complete the online contact form below to schedule a confidential consultation..

Why Choose Naggiar & Sarif for Your Child Custody Case?

At Naggiar & Sarif, we recognize the uniqueness of every family. Our client-focused approach blends legal expertise with compassion to secure the best outcomes. Here’s what distinguishes our Atlanta family law attorneys:

  • Proven Expertise: Founding partners Danny Naggiar and David Sarif bring decades of experience in complex custody cases, earning accolades such as Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating.
  • Tailored Strategies: We design individualized parenting plans that address physical and legal custody, visitation schedules, and decision-making responsibilities to suit your family’s needs.
  • Skilled Negotiation & Litigation: We strive for amicable resolutions through mediation but are fully equipped to advocate vigorously in court when necessary.
  • Confidential Support: We provide confidential support, particularly for high-profile clients, ensuring your privacy throughout the process.
  • Community Commitment: Our attorneys volunteer at the Georgia State Veteran’s Clinic and speak at legal education events, reflecting our dedication to excellence in family law.

Understanding Child Custody in Georgia

Georgia law centers on the child’s best interests in custody decisions, as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3. Our Atlanta child custody attorneys simplify the process by explaining key elements:

  • Physical Custody: Defines where the child resides and the time allocated to each parent, often referred to as “parenting time” rather than “visitation.”
  • Legal Custody: Covers decision-making authority for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities, which may be sole or joint.
  • Parenting Plans: Required by Georgia courts, these plans detail custody schedules, communication guidelines, and support obligations.

Courts evaluate factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, their ability to provide a stable environment, and their willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Our attorneys present your case effectively, whether collaborating with a Guardian ad Litem or addressing complex issues like family violence or substance abuse.

Our Process: Handling Child Custody Cases

We follow a clear, step-by-step approach to resolve your custody case efficiently:

  1. Initial Consultation: We listen to your objectives, evaluate your case, and clarify your rights under Georgia law.
  2. Case Strategy: We develop a customized plan, utilizing mediation, collaborative law, or litigation as needed.
  3. Parenting Plan Development: We create a detailed plan covering custody, visitation, and support arrangements. Learn more in this blog post.
  4. Negotiation or Court Advocacy: We pursue settlements to avoid trials when possible but are prepared to represent you in court if required.
  5. Ongoing Support: We assist with modifications or enforcement of custody orders as circumstances evolve.

Our aim is to reduce stress while achieving a fair resolution for you and your child.

Complex Custody Issues We Address

Our Atlanta child custody attorneys are equipped to handle challenging cases, including:

  • Multi-state or international custody disputes under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) or Hague Convention.
  • High-conflict custody cases involving allegations of abuse or substance issues.
  • Modifications to existing custody orders due to relocation or changed circumstances.
  • Custody matters for military families, drawing on Danny Naggiar’s military experience.

Meet Our Expert Atlanta Child Custody Attorneys

About Danny Naggiar:

Danny Naggiar, a founding partner of Naggiar & Sarif in Atlanta, is a distinguished child custody attorney known for his strategic approach to complex disputes. Originally from Miami Beach, Florida, he graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Economics from Tulane University and earned his J.D. from Georgia State University, where he served as an Associate Editor of the Law Review. Renowned for his compassionate yet assertive advocacy, Naggiar excels in developing parenting plans, negotiating agreements, and litigating high-conflict custody cases across Georgia. Read full bio and credentials.

  • Top Recognitions: Consistently named a Super Lawyers “Top 100 Attorney” in Georgia (2010-2024), honored by Best Lawyers in America, and listed in Georgia Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite for family law.
  • Legal Contributions: Frequent speaker at child custody and family law seminars nationwide and co-founder of Naggiar & Sarif, recognized as a U.S. News and World Report Best Law Firm for custody cases.
  • Media Presence: Featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Family Lawyer Magazine, and ESPN Outside the Lines for his expertise in child custody and parenting plan disputes.
  • Professional Honors: Recipient of Fulton County Daily Report’s “On the Rise” award and a member of the Georgia Bar Association’s Family Law Section, showcasing his leadership in child custody law.

Attorney Danny Naggiar About David Sarif:

David Sarif, a founding partner at Naggiar & Sarif in Atlanta, is a highly esteemed child custody attorney with a notable career in family law. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, and raised in Atlanta, he earned a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business and a J.D. from Georgia State University College of Law, receiving the CALI Award in Securities, Interests, and Liens. With extensive experience as a trial attorney, mediator, arbitrator, and Guardian ad Litem, Sarif is celebrated for his expertise in resolving complex custody disputes and multi-state jurisdictional matters. Read full bio and credentials.

  • Top Recognitions: Named “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law by Best Lawyers in America, featured in U.S. News and World Report, and selected as a Super Lawyers “Top 100 Attorney” in Georgia multiple years (2009-2024).
  • Legal Contributions: Adjunct professor at John Marshall Law School, author of articles like “Navigating Parenting Plans in Georgia Custody Cases” for the Georgia Bar Family Law Review, and a frequent speaker at national CLE conferences on child custody.
  • Media Presence: Quoted in CBS Atlanta, Family Lawyer Magazine, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, with appearances in OK Magazine for his insights on custody law.
  • Professional Honors: Georgia Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite, Fulton County Daily Report’s “On the Rise” award, and a fellow of the American Bar Foundation (top 1% of attorneys).

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody in Atlanta

  • Legal custody grants a parent the right to make major decisions about the child's life, including matters of education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
  • Physical custody determines where the child lives and which parent is responsible for their daily care. In most Atlanta child custody cases, parents share joint legal custody even if one parent has primary physical custody.

Under Georgia child custody laws, a court's primary objective is to make a decision based on the "best interests of the child." This is a comprehensive standard that considers many factors, such as the child's emotional ties to each parent, the ability of each parent to provide a stable home, and the child's adjustment to their home, school, and community.

Yes, a detailed parenting plan is a mandatory requirement in all Georgia child custody cases. This legal document outlines how both parents will share responsibilities and co-parent moving forward. A comprehensive plan typically includes a specific visitation schedule for weekends and holidays, as well as a clear framework for how parents will handle communication and decision-making.

According to Georgia child custody laws, a child who is 14 years or older has the legal right to state a preference to the court regarding which parent they want to live with. However, the judge is not bound by this choice and will still make the final decision based on what is in the child's best interests.

Yes, a child custody order can be modified, but only if a "material change in circumstances" has occurred since the original order was issued. A court must find that the change has a significant effect on the child's well-being. Common reasons for seeking a child custody modification in Atlanta include a parental relocation or a change in a parent's living situation.

Navigating the complexities of Georgia child custody laws can be challenging. An experienced Atlanta child custody attorney can help you understand your rights, present a strong case on your behalf, and negotiate a favorable outcome. Legal representation is crucial to ensure your child's best interests are protected and to help you achieve a fair and workable custody arrangement.

Contact Our Atlanta Child Custody Attorneys Today

Don’t face a child custody dispute alone. Let Naggiar & Sarif provide the expert legal guidance you need to secure your family’s future. Schedule a confidential consultation with an Atlanta child custody attorney today.

Call us at (404) 816-2004 or complete out our online form below. We offer in-person, Zoom, and phone consultations for your convenience.

Recognized by Super Lawyers, Georgia Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite, and U.S. News Best Lawyers, Naggiar & Sarif is your trusted partner in Atlanta family law.