Child Custody Legal Considerations

Summary

In Georgia, child custody decisions prioritize the childs best interests, considering factors like stability, parental improvement, and existing relationships. Courts assess the environment provided by guardians, parents lifestyle changes, and the childs bond with each party. The mothers past willingness to terminate rights and current contact level are also crucial in determining custody outcomes.

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Long story, in GA: child was born with opiates in her system. Both parents are known IV drug users with criminal histories, unmarried. DFCS removed child after a few weeks for neglect and placed her with paternal grandparents, where she’s lived *+ years. DFCS gave a reunification plan (visitation, therapy, clean drug tests, stability) that neither parent completed. Father never legitimized. Grandparents made guardians in * and sued for custody. Parents have criminal issues since, though some improvement over the past year. Mother now lives in WA with her mother. Mediation failed in * when mother demanded *% custody. In May * she agreed to terminate rights but reneged. She’s since counter-sued for custody, with minimal contact (* visit/year, * video call/month). Case now in superior court (Sept *) for Rule Nisi. Grandparents seek custody. Mother seeks full custody in WA or visitation there. What are her chances, and what factors will GA courts weigh?
In Georgia, courts prioritize the child's best interests in custody cases. Key factors include:
- Stability and environment provided by grandparents.
- Parents' improvement in behavior and lifestyle.
- Mother's willingness to terminate rights and current contact level.
- The child's relationship with grandparents and parents.
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