Parenting Plans In Georgia: What Parents Need To Know

When parents in Georgia separate or divorce, one of the most important steps in the process is creating a parenting plan. Georgia courts want children to have stable, predictable routines, and a parenting plan is the roadmap for how both parents will continue raising their child.

Whether you’re creating your own plan, responding to one from the other parent, or preparing for mediation, this guide explains everything you need to know in plain English, including Georgia requirements, examples, local laws, and helpful statistics.

What Is A Parenting Plan In Georgia?

A parenting plan is a required legal document that outlines how parents will share rights, responsibilities, and parenting time. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 19-9-1) requires a parenting plan in every custody case, whether contested or uncontested.

Unlike many states, Georgia is specific about what must be included. The goal is to protect the child’s well-being, reduce conflict, and give courts a clear understanding of each parent’s role.

Why Parenting Plans Matter In Georgia

Parenting plans help children experience consistency during a difficult transition. Research shows that children whose parents maintain predictable schedules and reduce conflict experience:

• 30–45% lower stress levels, according to the American Psychological Association

• Better school performance, especially in younger children

• Greater emotional resilience in the first two years after separation

In Georgia, judges will always approve a parenting plan that is child-focused, realistic, and designed to reduce conflict between parents.

Georgia Parenting Plan Requirements

Below is a clear, parent-friendly breakdown of what Georgia law requires in every parenting plan. Instead of overwhelming bullet lists, this guide uses simple explanations to help you understand exactly what courts expect.

1. Parenting Time Schedule (Physical Custody)

Every Georgia parenting plan must include a detailed parenting schedule. This includes:

• Where the child will live on school nights and weekends

• How holidays, birthdays, and school breaks are divided

• The transportation plan (who drives where)

Georgia courts prefer highly specific schedules; vague “as agreed” language often leads to conflict and is discouraged unless parents already cooperate exceptionally well.

2. Decision-Making Authority (Legal Custody)

Georgia divides legal custody into major decision-making areas:

• Education

• Healthcare

• Religion

• Extracurricular activities

Parents may share legal custody, but the court will usually assign one parent as the final decision-maker in each category to prevent disputes. This does not mean one parent is “more important”—just that someone has authority when disagreements arise.

3. Communication Rules Between Parents

Parenting plans must outline how parents will communicate about the child. This can include phone calls, text updates, shared calendars, or co-parenting apps (which many Georgia judges strongly recommend in contested cases).

The goal is clear expectations, not nonstop back-and-forth that creates tension.

4. Communication Rules With the Child

Georgia law requires that children be allowed to communicate with the other parent regularly and safely. The parenting plan must explain when and how this communication happens so there are no misunderstandings.

5. Transportation and Exchange Procedures

Georgia’s default expectation is that both parents share transportation responsibilities unless one parent lives farther away or has limited availability. Plans should also include backup instructions in case someone runs late.

Clarity here prevents arguments, and judges appreciate detailed, realistic plans.

6. Conflict Resolution Methods

Because disagreements happen, Georgia parenting plans must include a method for resolving disputes. Most plans list mediation first, followed by court intervention if necessary.

Courts prefer options that keep parents out of repeated litigation.

Common Parenting Plan Mistakes In Georgia

Parents often unintentionally weaken their position by submitting plans that are:

Too Vague

Plans must be specific—Georgia judges want precise schedules, not “flexible arrangements.”

Too Unrealistic

If work schedules don’t support a proposed plan, the court will notice.

Too Centered On Parental Preferences Instead Of The Child

Plans should focus on the child’s routine, school, and emotional stability—not what is convenient for adults.

Not Aligned With Georgia Statutes

A plan that conflicts with O.C.G.A. §19-9-1 or other state requirements will be rejected or rewritten by the court.

Georgia Parenting Plan Examples

Uncontested Parenting Plans

When parents agree on all aspects, the plan is usually approved quickly. Most uncontested plans include:

• A predictable weekly schedule

• Alternating holidays

• Shared decision-making

• A communication plan that keeps the child at the center

These plans typically move through the court system efficiently and reduce stress for everyone.

Contested Parenting Plans

When parents disagree, the judge ultimately decides. This process often involves:

• Guardian ad litem evaluations

• Parenting classes

• Mediated sessions

• Court hearings

In contested cases, the judge’s priority is what benefits the child, not who appears “more deserving.”

When Can Georgia Parenting Plans Be Modified?

Georgia allows parenting plans to be modified when:

• A significant change has occurred (relocation, new job schedule, safety concerns)

• The current plan no longer serves the child’s best interest

Georgia statistics show that nearly one-third of custody orders are modified within the first three years due to changes in school schedules, moves, or evolving needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About No-Fault Divorce In Georgia

How Modern Family Law Can Support You

A well-crafted parenting plan does more than satisfy Georgia’s legal requirements; it creates stability, reduces conflict, and gives your child the structure they need to feel safe and supported. But the process can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are high or when parents disagree about what’s best. That’s where Modern Family Law can make a meaningful difference.

Our compassionate, experienced Georgia family law attorneys help parents understand their rights, navigate Georgia’s custody laws, and build parenting plans that truly serve their child’s best interests. Whether you need help drafting a plan, negotiating terms, modifying an existing order, or preparing for mediation or court, Modern Family Law is here to guide you every step of the way with clarity, confidence, and a child-first approach.

Ready to move forward with the support you deserve?