Georgia Child Custody Agreement Template

A child custody agreement in Georgia must comply with state-specific statutory requirements to be approved by the court and enforceable as a binding order. Both parents can negotiate their own agreement covering legal custody, physical custody, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority — but the agreement must ultimately serve the best interests of the child as determined by a Georgia judge. Under O.C.G.A. §§19-9-1 through 19-9-7 (Custody of Children), Georgia courts apply the best interests of the child standard when evaluating custody arrangements. Georgia law provides no presumption; joint custody awards increasing but sole custody to one parent remains common. Regarding a child's input, child 14+ has the right to select the custodial parent (judge may override only if not in best interest); child 11-13 may express preference. Georgia requires 30-day written notice required before relocating with the child if custody order exists when a custodial parent plans to move. A parenting plan is required — must include custody schedule, decision-making authority, and holiday arrangements.

Without a written custody agreement, Georgia courts make all decisions about parenting time, legal custody, and physical custody based on statutory factors — often resulting in outcomes neither parent prefers. A comprehensive child custody agreement gives parents control over the arrangement while satisfying Georgia's legal requirements. Georgia follows the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) for interstate custody matters, meaning the child's "home state" generally has exclusive jurisdiction over custody proceedings.