Columbus Visitation Rights Attorney
Protecting Parental Access and the Best Interests of the Child in Georgia

During a separation or divorce, the relationship between a parent and child is of utmost importance. For the noncustodial parent, visitation rights are critical to maintaining that bond and staying actively involved in the child’s life. As experienced Columbus visitation rights attorneys, Poydasheff & Sowers, LLC helps parents throughout Georgia protect, assert, and enforce their visitation rights in a way that prioritizes the best interests of their children.

Visitation Rights in Georgia

In Georgia, visitation—legally referred to as “parenting time”—grants the noncustodial parent the right to spend time with their child according to a set schedule. A child custody arrangement will either determine these rights by mutual agreement between the parents or by a court order.

Georgia law presumes that regular contact with both parents serves a child's best interests, provided that such contact does not pose a risk to the child's well-being. Courts aim to create parenting plans that promote stability, encourage meaningful relationships, and support the child’s emotional and developmental needs.

As your Columbus visitation rights attorney, we help create, negotiate, and enforce parenting time arrangements that work for your family’s unique situation.

To speak with our experienced Columbus visitation rights lawyers, call us at (706) 705-5777 or contact us online today. 

Parenting Plans and Visitation Schedules

Every Georgia custody order must include a parenting plan, which outlines how the parents will share time and responsibilities. If parents cannot agree on a plan, the court will issue one based on evidence and the child’s best interests.

A parenting plan must address:

• Physical custody (where the child will live)
• Legal custody (decision-making authority)
• Visitation schedules, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school breaks
• Transportation and pick-up/drop-off responsibilities
• Communication between parent and child during non-visitation times

The noncustodial parent is typically granted scheduled parenting time unless there is a compelling reason to limit it. We help our clients develop detailed and enforceable parenting plans or challenge plans that are unfair or not in the child’s best interest.

Factors Courts Consider in Determining Visitation

Georgia courts use a variety of factors to determine the most appropriate visitation schedule. These include:

• The emotional ties between each parent and the child
• The ability of each parent to provide for the child’s needs
• Each parent’s history of caregiving and involvement
• The mental and physical health of all parties
• Any history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or criminal behavior
• The child’s preferences (especially if the child is 14 years or older)

Judges are guided by what will best serve the child’s long-term well-being. Our attorneys gather and present evidence that supports your case for meaningful and appropriate parenting time.

Modifying Visitation Orders

As families grow and circumstances evolve, an existing visitation schedule may no longer be practical or in the child’s best interest. Georgia law allows either parent to petition for a modification of visitation once every two years, or sooner if there is a substantial change in circumstances.

Common reasons for seeking a modification include:

• A parent relocating
• Changes in work schedules
• The child’s academic or medical needs
• Changes in the child’s preferences
• Noncompliance with the existing order

The court may grant a modification if it finds that the change will improve the child’s quality of life and foster a stable, nurturing environment. Our team will provide strategic representation to protect your parental rights regardless of whether you are seeking to alter your schedule or responding to a modification request.

Enforcing Visitation Rights

When a parent interferes with court-ordered visitation—such as by refusing to allow visits, failing to return the child, or deliberately obstructing communication—the affected parent can take legal action. Georgia courts do not tolerate violations of visitation orders and may issue remedies such as:

• Make-up parenting time
• Fines or court costs
• Modification of custody or visitation terms
• Contempt of court proceedings

We represent clients in both seeking enforcement of their rights and defending against unfounded accusations of noncompliance. In order to maintain consistent, healthy relationships between children and both parents, we make sure that parenting plans are respected.

Visitation for Grandparents and Relatives

Georgia law allows certain non-parents, such as grandparents, great-grandparents, and siblings, to petition for visitation rights under limited circumstances. These cases are more complex, as courts must balance the child’s relationship with the petitioner against the parent’s constitutional right to make decisions about their child’s upbringing.

To be successful, the petitioner must prove:

• That the child would suffer harm without the requested visitation, and
• That visitation is in the child’s best interest

We provide experienced legal guidance to grandparents and other relatives seeking to preserve their bond with a child, particularly in cases where a parent is absent, deceased, or unfit.

Addressing Visitation in High-Conflict or Unsafe Situations

In some cases, unsupervised visitation may not be appropriate. When there are allegations of abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or other safety concerns, courts may order supervised visitation or require that certain conditions be met before regular parenting time is granted.

Our attorneys advocate for safe arrangements that protect children while respecting parental rights. We also defend against exaggerated or false claims aimed at restricting visitation unfairly.

Why Work With a Columbus Visitation Rights Attorney?

Navigating visitation issues involves both emotional and legal challenges. Whether you’re a parent seeking time with your child, a grandparent hoping to maintain a relationship, or a parent responding to a visitation petition, strong legal representation can make all the difference.

Poydasheff & Sowers, LLC offers:

• Deep knowledge of Georgia family law and local court procedures
• Personalized strategies based on your family’s unique needs
• Strong negotiation skills and trial experience
• Compassionate, client-centered service from start to finish

We work to secure parenting time agreements that promote lasting family connections while safeguarding the best interests of your child.

Speak with a Columbus Visitation Rights Attorney

If you’re facing a visitation dispute, need to enforce an order, or want to modify an existing schedule, Poydasheff & Sowers, LLC is here to help. As dedicated Columbus visitation rights attorneys, we are committed to protecting your time with your child and advocating for solutions that support your family’s future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

To speak with our experienced Columbus visitation rights lawyers, call us at (706) 705-5777 or contact us online today.