You don’t hate your ex. You don’t want drama.
You just want time with your kids—and that shouldn’t require a war.
Georgia law supports shared parenting when it makes sense. So if you’re a capable, consistent, and committed parent, asking for joint custody is not only fair—it’s smart.
What Is Joint Custody, Really?
Let’s break it down:
🟡 Joint Physical Custody: The child spends significant time living with both parents. This doesn’t always mean 50/50, but both homes play an active role.
🟡 Joint Legal Custody: Both parents have equal say in major decisions about the child’s life—like healthcare, school, religion, and extracurriculars.
You can have one without the other, or both.
Why You Might Still Hear “Don’t Bother…”
People might say:
- “She’s the mom, they always get custody.”
- “Courts don’t care about fathers.”
- “You’re going to waste money fighting.”
But here’s the truth:
Georgia law doesn’t give an automatic edge to either parent.
The court looks at:
- Each parent’s involvement
- Stability of the home
- Willingness to co-parent
- Emotional bond with the child
- School, community, and schedule impact
It’s Not About Her. It’s About Them.
Saying “I want joint custody” is not the same as saying “She’s a bad mom.”
- It means you want to be in your child’s life
- It means you’re ready to do your part
- It means you believe kids need both parents
And guess what? Judges like that.
They want to see maturity, cooperation, and stability—not scorekeeping.
How to Ask Without Attacking
You can request joint custody and still be respectful. Here’s how:
🔹 Stick to the facts: “I’ve been involved since day one.”
🔹 Talk routines, not rights: “I want to help with homework, not just see them on weekends.”
🔹 Offer flexibility: “Let’s build a schedule that works for both of us.”
🔹 Focus on the child’s needs: “He’s happier when we’re both active in his life.”
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
If you’ve made mistakes, it doesn’t disqualify you.
If you weren’t the primary parent before, that doesn’t mean you can’t grow into the role.
The court wants to see that you’re:
- Willing to learn
- Stable in housing and employment
- Focused on the child, not on control
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to bash your ex to ask for time.
You don’t need to win to be worthy.
Joint custody isn’t about fighting—it’s about fatherhood (or motherhood) in action.
Show up. Speak clearly. Stay calm. That’s how you get results.
Need Help Asking for Joint Custody in Georgia?
At Catherine Verdery Ryan, Attorney at Law, we help parents in Augusta and surrounding counties create joint custody plans that work. Whether you’re building a 50/50 schedule or just need your voice heard, we’ll help you do it with clarity and respect.
🌐 Catherine Verdery Ryan – Attorney at Law – Augusta GA
Custody | Legitimation | Parenting Plans | Family Law – Serving Augusta, Columbia, Richmond, Burke, and nearby Georgia counties