You’ve likely been told:
- “If he’s not abusive, you should split time.”
- “You’ll look bitter if you push for full custody.”
- “Don’t take the kids from their dad—it’s not fair.”
But here’s the reality: you can respect your co-parent and still ask for full custody.
It’s not about punishing the other parent. It’s about doing what’s best for your child—and for you.
What Full Custody Really Means in Georgia
Let’s clear something up:
Full custody doesn’t always mean zero parenting time for the other parent.
In Georgia, “full custody” usually refers to one parent having:
- Primary physical custody (the child lives with them most of the time)
- Final decision-making authority in key areas like school, medical care, and religion
The other parent may still have visitation, input, and involvement—just not joint authority or 50/50 time.
Reasons Parents Choose Full Custody—Even Without Conflict
You’re not being unfair. You’re being realistic. Here’s why some parents (especially moms) request full custody even when the other parent isn’t abusive or absent:
- You’re the one doing the school runs, doctor visits, homework help
- The other parent travels a lot, works unpredictable hours, or lives far away
- You want a stable routine for the child—without shuffling back and forth
- You’ve been the primary caregiver and want to maintain consistency
It’s not personal. It’s practical.
What Georgia Courts Look For
The court’s standard is always:
“What is in the best interest of the child?”
They’ll look at:
- Each parent’s level of involvement
- Ability to provide a stable home
- Work schedules and availability
- The child’s emotional and educational needs
- Communication and co-parenting history
Can You Still Be Respectful? Absolutely.
You don’t have to drag the other parent through the mud to seek full custody.
You can say:
- “He’s a good father, but I’ve been the one primarily raising our child.”
- “I want what’s best for our son/daughter—and that means consistency.”
- “I’m open to meaningful visitation, just not joint physical custody.”
That’s not bitter. That’s boundary-setting.
Co-Parenting Still Has Room to Grow
Even with full custody, many parents:
- Create generous, structured parenting plans
- Allow flexibility when it’s healthy
- Use apps to manage communication and scheduling
- Stay open to modification down the road
It’s about starting with a plan that works now—not locking the door forever.
Final Thoughts
You can be kind. You can be cooperative.
And you can still ask for full custody.
It doesn’t make you controlling.
It makes you a parent doing what’s right for your child—calmly, clearly, and confidently.
Need Help Seeking Full Custody in Georgia?
At Catherine Verdery Ryan, Attorney at Law, we help parents across Augusta, Columbia, Richmond, Burke, and surrounding Georgia counties build custody plans that work. Whether you’re seeking full physical custody or decision-making authority, we’ll help you advocate for what’s best—without the unnecessary conflict.
📞Call us at (706) 722-2663
🌐 Catherine Verdery Ryan – Attorney at Law – Augusta GA
Custody | Parenting Plans | Child Support | Family Law