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Atlanta Child Custody Attorney

Skilled Atlanta Child Custody Attorney: Protecting Your Family’s Future

Atlanta Child Custody Attorney

Child custody disputes can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. At Naggiar & Sarif, our experienced Atlanta child custody attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through every step, ensuring your parental rights and your child’s best interests are protected. With over 20 years of family law experience, we’ve helped families across Atlanta navigate custody battles, parenting plans, and visitation disputes with compassion and precision.

Whether you’re facing a divorce, seeking to modify an existing custody order, or dealing with multi-state jurisdictional issues, our team is here to provide tailored solutions. Call us today at (404) 816-2004 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.

Why Choose Naggiar & Sarif for Your Child Custody Case?

At Naggiar & Sarif, we understand that every family is unique. Our client-centered approach combines legal expertise with empathy to achieve the best possible outcomes. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Proven Expertise: Our attorneys, including founding partners Danny Naggiar and David Sarif, have decades of experience handling complex custody cases, recognized by Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating.
  • Personalized Strategies: We craft customized parenting plans that reflect your family’s needs, addressing physical and legal custody, visitation, and decision-making authority.
  • Skilled Negotiation & Litigation: We prioritize amicable resolutions through mediation but are prepared to advocate fiercely in court when necessary.
  • Confidential Support: We offer discreet counsel, especially for high-profile clients, ensuring your privacy throughout the process.
  • Community Leadership: Our attorneys volunteer at the Georgia State Veteran’s Clinic and speak at legal education seminars, demonstrating our commitment to family law excellence.

Understanding Child Custody in Georgia

Georgia law prioritizes the best interests of the child in custody decisions, as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3. Our Atlanta child custody attorneys simplify the process by helping you understand key concepts:

  • Physical Custody: Determines where the child lives and the time spent with each parent (often called “parenting time” instead of “visitation”).
  • Legal Custody: Involves decision-making rights for education, medical care, religion, and extracurricular activities. This can be sole or joint.
  • Parenting Plans: Required by Georgia courts, these plans outline custody schedules, communication protocols, and support obligations.

Factors courts consider include each parent’s bond with the child, their ability to provide a stable home, and their willingness to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent. Our attorneys ensure your case is presented effectively, whether working with a Guardian ad Litem or addressing complex issues like family violence or substance abuse.

Our Process: How We Handle Child Custody Cases

We take a transparent, step-by-step approach to resolve your custody case efficiently:

  1. Initial Consultation: We listen to your goals and assess your case, explaining your rights under Georgia law.
  2. Case Strategy: We develop a tailored plan, whether through mediation, collaborative law, or litigation.
  3. Parenting Plan Development: We craft a comprehensive plan addressing custody, visitation, and support.
  4. Negotiation or Court Representation: We negotiate settlements to avoid trial when possible but are ready to advocate in court if needed.
  5. Ongoing Support: We assist with modifications or enforcement of custody orders as circumstances change.

Our goal is to minimize stress while securing a fair outcome for you and your child.

Complex Custody Issues We Handle

Our Atlanta child custody lawyers are equipped to address even the most 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 battles involving allegations of abuse or substance issues.
  • Modifications to existing custody orders due to relocation or changes in circumstances.
  • Custody cases for military families, leveraging Danny Naggiar’s military background.

Meet Our Expert Atlanta Child Custody Attorneys

About Danny Naggiar:

Danny Naggiar, a founding partner of Naggiar & Sarif in Atlanta, is a leading Atlanta child custody attorney renowned for his strategic approach to complex custody 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. Known for his compassionate yet tenacious advocacy, Naggiar excels in crafting parenting plans, negotiating settlements, 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), recognized by Best Lawyers in America, and listed among Georgia Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite for family law.
  • Legal Contributions: Frequent lecturer at child custody and family law seminars nationwide and co-founder of Naggiar & Sarif, a firm celebrated 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, reflecting 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 respected Atlanta child custody attorney with a distinguished career in family law. Raised in Atlanta after being born in Cape Town, South Africa, 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, where he received 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 issues. 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

The timeline depends on the case’s complexity. Uncontested cases may resolve in 1-2 months, while contested cases can take 6-12 months or longer if a trial is required.
Yes, if there’s a significant change in circumstances (e.g., relocation, income change), our attorneys can help file for a modification.
A Guardian ad Litem is a court-appointed advocate who investigates and recommends what’s best for the child, though they don’t directly represent them.
The cost of hiring an Atlanta child custody attorney varies based on case complexity, whether it’s contested, and the attorney’s experience. At Naggiar & Sarif, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options. During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear estimate tailored to your case, ensuring you understand all potential costs, including court fees or Guardian ad Litem expenses. Contact us at (404) 816-2004 to discuss your needs.
In Georgia, a custodial parent must seek court approval to relocate with a child if it significantly impacts the non-custodial parent’s time, as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3. Our Atlanta child custody attorneys at Naggiar & Sarif can represent you in relocation hearings, advocating for your parental rights or proposing modified parenting plans to maintain your child’s stability. We’ll guide you through the legal process to achieve a fair outcome.
Georgia courts prioritize the child’s best interests, considering factors like each parent’s bond with the child, ability to provide a stable home, and willingness to co-parent, per O.C.G.A. § 19-9-3. Our experienced Atlanta child custody lawyers at Naggiar & Sarif prepare compelling cases, presenting evidence and working with experts like custody evaluators to strengthen your position and protect your parental rights.
Yes, under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 19-7-1), grandparents or third parties can petition for custody if it’s in the child’s best interests, such as when parents are unfit or unable to care for the child. Our Atlanta child custody attorneys have successfully represented grandparents and relatives in these cases, navigating complex legal requirements to secure stable environments for children.
To prepare for your consultation with an Atlanta child custody attorney at Naggiar & Sarif, bring any existing court orders, parenting plans, communication records with the other parent, and documents related to your child’s needs (e.g., medical or school records). These help us assess your case thoroughly. We’ll also discuss your goals and explain Georgia custody laws to set clear expectations.

Contact Our Atlanta Child Custody Attorneys Today

Don’t navigate a child custody dispute alone. Let Naggiar & Sarif provide the expert legal support you need to protect 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.