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Child support orders in Augusta, GA are not permanent. They can be adjusted whenever you can show that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the order was entered or last modified. However, Georgia family law controls this process and sets the terms for how and when you can make these kinds of changes. more A "Substantial" Change The law requires that something substantial have taken place to make a change to your orders. Usually, this will be something that has significant and continuing effects upon either parent's ability to pay or the child's financial needs. The courts and the Division of Child Support Services will want to see evidence of the real impact this change has had, and you must prove the change with actual records, not just descriptions. Common Examples: Involuntary loss of income of 25% or more Loss of job when an employer shuts down operations or a serious long-term illness or accident stops someone from working for over a year Starting to receive TANF benefits or receiving an unexpected windfall, like an inheritance Development of a serious medical condition by either parent or the child New unexpected expenses for schooling or other child needs Change in living arrangements What's Not a Substantial Change If you or the other parent have voluntarily quit a steady job for a lower-paying one or switched to part-time work when full-time opportunities exist, this generally won't count, even if your income has gone down significantly. New expenses like having another child, buying a home, or taking on debt usually won't count, either, since these are all free choices that should have been made by accommodating the order that was already in place. General increases in living costs may or may not allow you to make an adjustment: it depends on the situation. If the cost of living generally has gone up substantially, but your income has not, the court may agree to hear the case for making a change. But if your cost of living has gone up because you've made choices you didn't have to, they likely won't. How Custody Affects Things A meaningful increase or decrease in actual parenting time, compared to the court order, may support a petition to do a recalculation of child support. These issues sometimes run alongside a support modification, though separate filings may still be required, depending on the details. Working With a Family Law Attorney An attorney can help you review your request and give you sound advice about whether it's likely to meet the threshold and be accepted. Then, your attorney will prepare the paperwork and argue the case. Your attorney represents you and your interests at the hearing, where the judge decides first whether the change meets the legal threshold and then applies the guidelines to set any revised amount. For help with your custody or support issue, contact Davis, Chapman, & Wilder in Augusta, GA today. As a leading local law firm, we've been voted 10 Best Law Firms for Customer Satisfaction by the Institute of Family Law Attorneys, and we have more than 30 years of experience helping the families of Georgia during the toughest times of life.

Separation or divorce is challenging for any family, but if both parents are committed to the best interests of their kids, then creating an effective co-parenting plan is absolutely possible. It can provide the structure your children need during this transition, and a child custody lawyer experienced in family law can help you build a plan that fits your family's needs and will pass muster with the courts. more How to Build an Effective Co-Parenting Plan The Child's Best Interest Your first job is to keep every decision centered on what helps your child feel loved and stable and will contribute best to their ability to thrive for the long term. Start by sitting down, together or even separately at first, and listing what your child's daily life looks like right now. Here are some things to consider: School start times Bedtime routines Favorite activities Doctor visits (Who usually takes them?) Homework help (Who usually helps them?) Diet (Who usually feeds them? Who shops?) Write these details out so you can build a schedule around your child as much as possible instead of forcing big changes onto them. This simple step prevents confusion and helps your child keep the same friends, teachers, and basic rhythm of life as much as possible. Weekly Schedule Next, create a clear weekly schedule that shows exactly when your child will be with each of you. Include regular weekdays, weekends, and overnights (you'll figure in holidays and breaks later: at first, just plan for "normal.") Factor in your work hours and your child's age, too, because younger kids often need shorter stretches away from their primary home at first, while older children can handle longer visits. Put the schedule in writing and post copies in both homes. This not only reduces the possibility of arguments between you and your spouse but also gives your child something reliable to count on. Plan for the Abnormal Holidays, school breaks, and vacations need to be planned for, too. Decide in advance who gets Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving, the first week of summer, etc, and remember that you can make this plan truly yours if you can agree and show it's in your child's best interest. Maybe you want to rotate through all the big holidays each year, or maybe you would like to have your child with one parent for all major holidays one year and with the other parent the next year. Think about birthdays, long weekends, and your child's relationship with grandparents, uncles and aunts, and cousins on both sides of the family. Major Decisions Spell out who will handle healthcare choices, both routine and major; school enrollment; religious activities; and extracurriculars. Some parents split these areas entirely, while others set some basic ground rules and then agree to discuss everything else important. Day-to-day choices, like bedtime or screen time, can usually stay with whichever parent has the child at the time, but the overall routine should be as close to the same as possible in both homes. Talk to a Child Custody Lawyer Call us today at Davis, Chapman, & Wilder, LLC in Augusta, GA to request a consultation. We offer compassionate help, and we can assist you in developing a plan that the courts will approve, your family can live with, and that's in the best interests of your child.

The legal process involved in adopting a child requires strict compliance with Georgia law. Whether you are adopting a stepchild, a relative, or a child through an agency, legal counsel from an adoption lawyer in Augusta, GA, can help protect your rights and ensure the adoption proceeds smoothly. At Davis, Chapman, & Wilder, we are prepared to help you understand every step and to advocate for your family. Understanding Adoption Requirements Georgia has detailed legal requirements for adopting a child, and these requirements vary depending on the type of adoption, the child's age, and the relationship between the child and the prospective parent. You must meet eligibility standards, follow appropriate procedures for terminating parental rights, and complete all the required home studies and background checks. more Our Augusta adoption lawyers are here to make sure you understand and meet each requirement so that your adoption cannot be challenged later. Failing to follow the proper process may cause significant delays or even prevent you from moving forward. Managing Consent and Parental Rights Issues One of the most complex parts of an adoption involves securing legal consent from the biological parents or terminating their parental rights when necessary. Without proper consent or a court order, you cannot finalize an adoption. The law requires careful handling of these matters to protect both the child's and your legal rights. Having a lawyer on your side reduces the risk of errors or disputes during this part of the process. Preparing for Court Hearings All adoptions in Georgia require court approval. The judge will review the case to ensure that the adoption serves the child's best interests and that all legal requirements have been met. An attorney from our team of legal experts will prepare you for this hearing by gathering necessary documents, organizing testimony, and making sure your case is presented clearly. If unexpected issues arise in court, we will be there to advocate for you. Addressing Interstate or International Issues If your adoption involves parties in different states or countries, compliance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) or international adoption treaties is required. These cases can involve quite a few additional legal procedures and even stricter documentation standards, and these are particularly difficult to get through alone. We help you manage these legalities to ensure your adoption complies with all state and federal requirements, as well as international requirements. Without this kind of legal guidance, it can be very easy to overlook important details that can delay your case. Adoption is a life-changing event that requires careful legal handling to protect your rights and the child's well-being. Having a lawyer by your side ensures you follow the law, avoid delays, and present the strongest possible case. We are honored to help Georgia families complete the adoption process successfully. Schedule a consultation with us today at Davis, Chapman, & Wilder in Augusta, GA, to discuss how we can support you in building your family through adoption.

Choosing to adopt a child is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. However, there are complex rules that aim to safeguard the child, which can make the application process difficult. A local adoption attorney in Augusta, GA can provide invaluable guidance, helping you present a strong case and avoid disqualification where possible. Eligibility Rules for Adoption in Georgia In Georgia, there are multiple possible routes to adopt a child, including public adoptions through the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, agency adoptions, and privately organized adoptions. Regardless of the option you choose, there are basic eligibility criteria that you must fulfill: Aged at least 21, or married and living with your spouse Resident of Georgia when the petition is filed At least 10 years older than the child (unless you are a stepparent) Physically, mentally, and financially able to have permanent custody In addition to fulfilling the above criteria, every person who wants to adopt must undergo a full evaluation. During the evaluation process, checks will be carried out to ascertain whether there are any factors that would make the potential parents unsuitable. more What Factors May Prevent Adoption? Even if you pass the basic eligibility criteria, you may be disqualified for another reason discovered during the evaluation. Common factors that can lead to disqualification include: Criminal Record A prior felony conviction won't result in automatic disqualification, but it is something that will be looked at very carefully. Background checks for any convictions will be carried out based on fingerprints, so it's essential to be honest about your history. Some convictions will present more difficulties than others. For example, any convictions for child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or sexual misconduct may result in the application being denied. Other non-violent convictions may also be considered significant if there is any evidence of unresolved issues. Mental Health Difficulties Mental health conditions are common and in many cases won't be a cause for concern. However, if symptoms are severe and current, or there is a history of regular relapses with resistance to treatment, approval to adopt may not be granted. Unsuitable Home Environment Georgia expects all prospective adoptive households to have sufficient space and to adhere to safety standards. If your home environment is unstable, too small, or contains hazardous features, approval may be withheld until you have moved to an alternative property. Inspections will also look for stability, consistency, and a loving atmosphere. If there is a history of regular house moves, frequent difficulties within your relationship, or an unstable domestic environment, you may be disqualified. Get Advice From an Adoption Attorney A lawyer can help ensure any unfavorable historical aspects are viewed in context, and that your application is presented in the most positive way. An attorney will be familiar with the adoption procedure and can help you comply with all requirements. This prevents any delays and will secure the best possible result. We have extensive experience in all types of adoption and can support you throughout the whole process. To talk to a compassionate lawyer, contact us today at Davis, Chapman, & Wilder in Augusta, GA. We are proud to serve all the local communities, including Lincolnton, Thomson, Evans, Martinez, Waynesboro, and Grovetown.