In a major decision reaffirming Native American rights and the scope of federal authority, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 7–2 to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), in 2023. ICWA is a 45-year-old law designed to protect Native children and preserve tribal integrity.

As laws surrounding cannabis continue to evolve, both federally and in Georgia, the legal and social landscape of THC use and child custody is changing with it. What was once an automatic red flag in custody litigation is becoming a more nuanced issue, as judges, lawmakers, and even medical professionals grapple with where to draw the line between lawful use, dependency, and potential risk to children.

When a parent fears for the immediate safety or well-being of their child, the instinct is often to go to court right away. In Georgia, parents sometimes ask about filing an “emergency custody motion.” While this option does exist, Georgia courts are very careful about when such motions can be filed and granted. Understanding the law (and the limits) can help parents make informed decisions.

Custody and visitation disputes often stir up deep emotional tension between co-parents. But while frustration and fear are understandable, especially when a parent believes their child may be at risk, taking unilateral action by withholding court-ordered visitation is almost never the right answer. In Georgia, such actions can expose a parent to serious legal consequences, including contempt findings, sanctions, and even changes to custody arrangements.

In Georgia, fathers are legally entitled to the same consideration as mothers when it comes to child custody. The law is gender-neutral on its face—but that doesn’t mean the road to 50/50 custody is an easy one. This post explains how Georgia courts evaluate custody, where equal custody requests often go wrong, and what fathers can do to maximize their chances of achieving a truly shared parenting arrangement.

Georgia law allows you to appeal many types of family court decisions. But appealing is not simply a matter of disagreeing with the outcome. It requires a solid legal foundation, proper recording of the legal issue before or during trial, a clear understanding of the appellate process, and strict compliance with deadlines and procedures.