Child Custody Lawyers in Roswell, GA and Cumming, GA

We Are Child Custody Attorneys in Roswell, GA and Cumming, GA

The Sherman Law Group, located in the historic city of Roswell, GA, with a convenient office in Cumming, is proud to serve as your dedicated child custody attorneys in Roswell and the surrounding areas. With significant experience handling a broad range of child custody matters, we recognize that custody disputes are among the most challenging and emotionally charged aspects of divorce and family law cases. As seasoned child custody lawyers in Roswell, we guide parents and children through the complexities of negotiating arrangements that serve their unique needs while protecting the child’s best interests. Divorce proceedings can create long-lasting impacts for both children and parents, but a well-structured, carefully considered custody plan minimizes emotional strain and sets clear guidelines for each parent’s responsibilities. Our goal is to anticipate and address every issue, creating child custody agreements that clarify duties and reduce future conflicts.

Call attorneys Valerie Sherman & Bill Sherman at (678) 712-8561 to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient office locations in Atlanta, Roswell, and Cumming, Georgia. 

With decades of combined legal experience in Georgia family law, our firm understands how complex custody arrangements can differ from one family to another. The unique needs of families in Roswell and Cumming—including busy school and activity schedules, differing work obligations, and relocation considerations—frequently demand child custody solutions that are both practical and sustainable for all parties involved. As a husband-and-wife legal team with a deep local presence, we provide the personal attention, responsiveness, and innovative problem-solving that North Fulton and Forsyth County families deserve. Our approach blends a detailed knowledge of local procedures with a commitment to guiding clients confidently through every step of the legal process.

In Georgia, child custody is broken into two parts: physical custody and legal custody. It is essential to understand this distinction. Physical custody describes who the child lives with and outlines a formal parenting time schedule. Frequently, one parent may be designated the primary residential parent, but both parents maintain scheduled parenting time. In Roswell and Cumming, that timetable is either negotiated between parties and their attorneys or, if necessary, determined by a judge in accordance with Georgia law and local court preferences.

The Child Custody Process in Roswell & Fulton County

Working with a child custody lawyer in Roswell means you’ll be guided through a structured process determined by Georgia’s family law statutes and local court practices. Generally, the process begins with filing a custody petition at the Fulton County Superior Court or, if appropriate, the Forsyth County courts. Both parents are given an opportunity to present parenting proposals and evidence during negotiations, mediation, or, if needed, in front of a judge. Our team at The Sherman Law Group works closely with clients to organize evidence—such as school records, living situations, and character references—so your side of the story is clear and compelling before the court. We make sure all deadlines and required forms are met, an essential step in any child custody case in Roswell or Cumming.

In Roswell, it’s critical for parents to know that Georgia courts usually require completion of a parenting seminar before a custody agreement is finalized, and judges sometimes appoint a Guardian ad Litem to investigate the children’s best interests. Our attorneys ensure that clients are prepared for every aspect, including mandatory conferences and proceedings in North Fulton family courts. From initial paperwork to the final hearing, our knowledge of local judges and court culture allows us to provide confident, forward-thinking representation in every Roswell child custody case. Our focus is always on delivering personalized legal support to protect your child’s stability and preserve your parental rights.

Sole Custody or Joint Custody

Legal custody concerns which parent holds the authority to make key decisions about the child’s education, religious upbringing, and health care. These choices involve where the child goes to school (public or private), selection of medical providers and treatments, and critical matters impacting the child's welfare. Sole legal custody allows one parent to make these decisions unilaterally, while joint legal custody ensures both parents have a voice, typically requiring collaboration on major issues. In our experience as child custody attorneys in Roswell, these distinctions matter greatly to local families.

Many parents in Roswell and Cumming are unfamiliar with the full range of responsibilities and flexibility afforded under different custody frameworks. Fulton and Forsyth County courts often promote joint legal custody to encourage collaboration, but will assign final decision-making authority in specific domains if it better serves the child’s well-being. Our familiarity with local practices and judicial tendencies helps us navigate these nuances and structure custody agreements that both comply with Georgia law and reflect your child’s needs. We strive to ensure all agreements are enforceable and appropriately customized to the realities of co-parenting in Roswell and the broader North Fulton area.
 

Who Gets Custody? How Is It Decided?

The court’s primary consideration in every child custody case is the best interest of the child. Multiple factors can influence a judge’s decision, including:

• What is the age and health of the child?
• Does the child have special needs?
• How strong are the emotional ties between the parents and the children?
• Who has had the primary parenting responsibilities?
• How much time has each parent spent with the children?
• Is there a history of family violence, alcoholism, or drug abuse?
• What jobs do the couple have?
• Who has the better ability of the parents to properly care for the child?
• Does the child have a preference?

Along with these general factors, local courts in Roswell often consider additional community-based elements, such as ongoing relationships with teachers, friends, and neighbors, or the convenience of each parent’s proximity to schools and extracurricular activities. For children over age 14, Georgia law allows their preference to be considered more heavily, which can significantly influence the outcome of your case. The Sherman Law Group regularly appears before North Fulton County judges and can explain how local customs and trends may impact your custody case. We work proactively to address your concerns and help you understand exactly what to expect in a Roswell court proceeding.

Custody Arrangements Should Be Tailored To Your Needs

Every family’s needs are different, and no single physical or legal custody arrangement is appropriate for every situation. At The Sherman Law Group, our child custody lawyers in Roswell take great care to listen, develop tailored parenting plans, and help parents anticipate and prevent potential disputes. We know firsthand how the additional stresses of custody issues can create obstacles for even the most well-intentioned parents. Our focus is always on clarifying your needs and protecting your child’s best interests at every step.

We encourage clients to think beyond the basics—considering both daily routines and seasonal schedules, involving school calendars, holidays, and pick-up logistics unique to life in Roswell and greater North Fulton. Drawing on our familiarity with local family court expectations, community counseling resources, and private mediation options, we help build plans that minimize future disruptions. Whatever your background, we’re committed to delivering enforceable, realistic custody arrangements that fit your family’s present and future.

Judges Want to Keep a "Normal" Routine for the Child

Courts are highly focused on minimizing any disruption to your child’s routine when considering child custody cases in Roswell. Judges frequently seek to replicate or retain the stability your child is accustomed to—their school, social connections, and community ties are important.

In areas like Roswell, where children are engaged in local school programs, sports, and community organizations, maintaining these connections is a strong consideration. A parent who can show the court a commitment to supporting these established routines stands in a stronger position. Our child custody attorneys in Roswell assist clients with gathering documentation about participation in these activities to ensure that your care for your child’s community involvement is accurately reflected in court. We know how to present compelling evidence and advocate for practical schedules that work for children and parents alike.

Courts understand that some parents may try to increase their involvement post-separation in hopes of gaining greater custody rights. Judges evaluate the sincerity and history of each parent’s relationship with their child. By working with a knowledgeable child custody lawyer in Roswell, parents can better demonstrate their ongoing commitment and adapt to post-divorce parenting in a positive way.

Modifying & Enforcing Child Custody Orders in Roswell, GA

Life circumstances often change after an initial custody order is in place. If your family undergoes a significant change—such as a job relocation, remarriage, or substantial change in a child’s needs—Georgia law allows either parent to request a custody or visitation modification through the courts. In Roswell and the broader Fulton County area, the parent seeking modification must demonstrate there has been a material change that affects the child’s welfare. Our child custody attorneys in Roswell and Cumming work with clients at every stage of this process, from properly documenting life changes to working through negotiations or, if necessary, litigating for appropriate adjustments in court. Our focus is always on ensuring your child’s needs are at the forefront.

Enforcing child custody orders is also critical when one parent fails to comply with a court-approved arrangement. Fulton County judges can impose remedies such as contempt orders, adjustments in parenting time, and even changes in primary custody to protect the child. At The Sherman Law Group, we collaborate with local agencies, school officials, and court personnel to create solutions that address ongoing noncompliance. By providing comprehensive guidance and personalized legal support, we help parents maintain stable, consistent environments for their children and minimize the risk of future disputes.

Who Decides: A Judge or the Parents?

The best child custody agreements are those negotiated between parents, ideally outside of court intervention. Fulton and Forsyth County courts promote voluntary settlements that are custom-tailored to each family, but if an agreement cannot be reached, a Superior Court judge will make the final determination based on Georgia law and the child’s best interests. As experienced child custody attorneys in Roswell, we know the value of both skilled negotiation and thorough court preparation. We act as strong advocates for your parental rights in and out of the courtroom.

Negotiation and mediation are strongly encouraged throughout the Roswell court process. Our attorneys are familiar with the required Georgia parenting plan templates and the communications protocols necessary for court-accepted agreements. When settlement efforts stall, we deliver comprehensive representation in formal hearings, preparing and presenting evidence that addresses each judge’s priorities. We make certain you understand each step and are empowered to make decisions that best support your child and family.

Let's Talk About Your Rights

At the Sherman Law Group, our team of North Fulton County child custody lawyers is dedicated to helping you and your spouse achieve constructive resolutions—even in contentious, high-conflict cases. We work tirelessly to represent your needs and defend your interests, whether you are negotiating, mediating, or preparing for litigation in child custody matters.

Education and transparent communication are the foundation of every case we handle. During your initial consultation, our attorneys will review critical documents—school reports, health records, and past court filings—to ensure we have all relevant information. With years of direct experience working with the Fulton County Superior Court system and trusted relationships with area counselors, evaluators, and court staff, we’re equipped to guide you through complex legal issues, including modification and enforcement of existing orders. Our philosophy is to always be proactive, responsive, and available for every question you have, from your first call through final resolution.

Litigating child custody issues is a last resort, but if court becomes necessary, you can rely on the depth and diversity of our legal backgrounds, including prior service as an Assistant Attorney General, Senior Assistant County Attorney, and Magistrate Judge. We are well-versed in the criteria judges consider—such as continuity of school and community life, safeguarding children from harm, and honoring parental preferences. Our role is to protect your family’s interests and help secure outcomes that reflect both Georgia law and the realities of life in Roswell and Cumming.

As family law attorneys serving metro Atlanta, with offices in Roswell and Cumming, the attorneys at The Sherman Law Group have the experience needed to support you and your child throughout custody negotiations and disputes. Our commitment is always to prioritize our clients’ needs and ensure families have the information and representation needed to make empowered decisions about every custody issue. 

Call us today at (678) 712-8561 to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the child custody process typically take in Roswell, GA?

The duration of a child custody case in Roswell, GA, can vary widely depending on whether the parties reach an agreement or proceed to litigation. When parents are able to negotiate a settlement with the help of a child custody attorney in Roswell, cases can often be completed in several months. If disputes continue and the case must be heard in Fulton County Superior Court, the process may take six months or longer, especially if the court appoints a Guardian ad Litem or requires additional evaluations. Georgia law also mandates completion of a parenting seminar, which can impact timelines. Our child custody lawyers in Roswell are dedicated to moving your case forward efficiently while ensuring every detail is handled thoroughly and with care.

What should I bring to my initial consultation about child custody?

To ensure a productive initial meeting with your child custody lawyer in Roswell, it’s helpful to gather key documents beforehand. Bring any existing parenting plans, court orders, school records, and medical information relevant to your child’s circumstances. Additionally, prepare a calendar of your work schedule and your child’s extracurricular commitments in Roswell or Cumming, as well as a summary of your parental responsibilities. If there have been any interactions with law enforcement or the Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS), those records may be important. Providing comprehensive documentation enables your attorney to develop a strategic approach tailored to your family’s needs and helps us protect your parental rights from the start.

Can a child express their custody preference in Georgia?

Georgia law permits children aged 14 and older to state their preferred custodial parent, and judges in Fulton County, including Roswell courts, give considerable weight to this input. While the child’s wishes are influential, they are not the sole or final determining factor; the court will take into account the child’s maturity, reasoning, and overall best interests. For younger children, a judge may consider their preferences but is not required to do so. Our child custody attorneys in Roswell can advise you on how a child’s voice may be presented in court, and how your parenting plan can reflect a fair and compassionate approach in accordance with Georgia statutes and local expectations.

Contact us online or call us at (678) 712-8561. We will be pleased to offer you a complimentary and confidential consultation.