Child custody cases can be stressful and emotional, especially when you are not sure how the courts in your area handle them. In Georgia, custody laws are the same statewide, but the experience can look a little different depending on where you live. For many families in the Atlanta area, that means dealing with the court systems in Fulton County or DeKalb County. Knowing how these courts operate, what judges expect, and how to prepare can make a difficult process feel a little more manageable.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Child Custody in Georgia
- How Fulton County Handles Custody Cases
- How DeKalb County Handles Custody Cases
- When You Need to Modify a Custody Agreement
- Why Local Experience Matters
- Talk with an Atlanta Custody Attorney
Understanding Child Custody in Georgia
In Georgia, child custody has two parts. Legal custody covers the right to make big decisions about your child’s life, such as education, medical care, and religion. Physical custody determines where your child lives and how time is shared between parents. Many families end up with joint legal custody, while physical custody may be shared or primarily with one parent. The court’s focus is always on what serves the best interests of the child. That means every decision is centered on stability, safety, and the child’s overall well-being.
At Barnhart Family Law, we help parents build custody agreements that are realistic and protect their children. We represent families across the Atlanta area, including Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Atlanta.
How Fulton County Handles Custody Cases
Fulton County covers much of Atlanta and the surrounding communities. Because it is one of Georgia’s largest counties, its courts see a high volume of family law cases. Custody matters are handled by the Superior Court of Fulton County. The process usually includes mediation, where both parents meet with a neutral third party to try to reach an agreement before going to trial. Parents are also required to complete a parenting seminar that helps them understand how divorce and separation affect children.
In some cases, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem to represent the child’s best interests. Fulton County judges often encourage cooperation and shared parenting when it benefits the child. Having an attorney who is familiar with the judges, procedures, and expectations in this court system can make your case smoother and less intimidating.
How DeKalb County Handles Custody Cases
DeKalb County’s process is similar in many ways, but its family division operates a little differently. The Superior Court of DeKalb County often assigns family law cases to judges who focus specifically on custody and support. Like Fulton County, DeKalb encourages mediation and requires parents to complete a parenting seminar before trial. Judges in DeKalb tend to place strong emphasis on stability and the parents’ ability to cooperate when making decisions for their children.
For families in Brookhaven, Decatur, and nearby areas, DeKalb’s family division can feel a bit smaller and more personal. Even so, every judge has their own approach to parenting plans and visitation schedules. Working with a law firm that regularly handles cases in both counties helps you understand what to expect and how to prepare for each courtroom.
When You Need to Modify a Custody Agreement
Life changes. A new job, a relocation, or changes in a child’s needs can make an old custody agreement difficult to maintain. Both Fulton and DeKalb County courts allow modifications when there has been a significant change in circumstances. Sometimes both parents agree to the change. Other times, one parent asks the court to review and adjust the arrangement.
At Barnhart Family Law, we help clients with both types of situations. Whether you need to request a modification or respond to one, we make sure your child’s best interests remain at the center of every decision.
Why Local Experience Matters
Every Georgia county has its own procedures, schedules, and courtroom culture. A lawyer who understands those details can make the process much less confusing. Our attorneys at Barnhart Family Law have years of experience practicing in Fulton and DeKalb County courts. We know how to prepare your documents, how to work with local mediators, and how to present your case effectively to the judge.
As a female-owned and operated Atlanta law firm, we bring a compassionate yet practical approach to every case. We understand that custody disputes are not just legal battles—they are deeply personal situations that shape families for years to come. Our goal is to help you protect your rights while building a stable, positive future for your children.
Talk with an Atlanta Custody Attorney
If you live in Fulton or DeKalb County and are dealing with a custody issue, you do not have to go through it alone. The team at Barnhart Family Law can help you understand your options, prepare your case, and move forward with confidence. Whether you are starting a custody case, enforcing an existing order, or seeking a modification, we are here to help.
Call (678) 928-8429 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced Atlanta custody attorney today.