Atlanta Child Custody Attorney

Your Children Need a Parent Who Won't Back Down

Joanna G. Boyd fights for custody arrangements that protect your children and preserve your relationship with them — whether through negotiation or in a Georgia courtroom.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Call 678-343-2693
Top 10 Family Law Attorney | Top 40 Under 40 | Avvo Client Choice 2024 | Metro Atlanta & Statewide

Nothing Matters More Than
Your Children. Full Stop.

The thought of losing time with your kids is terrifying. Every day that passes without a clear custody arrangement is a day of uncertainty — for you and for them. You need to know they're safe, that you'll be there for the moments that matter, and that the court will see what you bring to their lives.

Too many parents go into custody proceedings unprepared. They assume the court will "just see" what's obvious. It doesn't work that way. Georgia custody cases are decided on evidence, documentation, and legal strategy — not assumptions.

Joanna Boyd builds your custody case from day one. She gathers the evidence, prepares the strategy, and fights for the arrangement your children deserve — not the one that's easiest for the court to hand down.

How Georgia Decides Child Custody

  • 01
    Best Interests of the Child

    Georgia courts weigh 17 factors including each parent's involvement, stability, emotional bonds, and ability to provide a safe environment.

  • 02
    Legal vs. Physical Custody

    Legal custody covers major decisions (education, healthcare, religion). Physical custody determines where the child lives. Both can be sole or joint.

  • 03
    Children 14+ Can Choose

    In Georgia, children aged 14 and older can elect which parent they wish to live with. The court gives this significant weight, though it's not absolute.

  • 04
    Gender Is Not a Factor

    Georgia law does not favor mothers over fathers. Custody decisions are based on the child's best interests — but the burden is on you to prove your case.

Every Custody Situation Is Unique

Joanna handles the full range of custody matters — from initial filings to complex modifications and enforcement.

Joint & Sole Custody

Whether you're pursuing joint custody or sole custody, Joanna builds the case around what's genuinely best for your children.

Father's Rights

Fathers face real bias in family court. Joanna specializes in fighting for equal parenting time and the rights fathers deserve under Georgia law.

Parenting Plans

A strong parenting plan covers schedules, holidays, decision-making, and communication. Joanna creates plans that work in real life, not just on paper.

Custody Modifications

When circumstances change — relocation, new job, safety concerns — Joanna petitions the court to adjust custody arrangements to match your family's reality.

Parental Alienation

If the other parent is undermining your relationship with your children, Joanna takes action — documenting the behaviour and seeking court intervention.

Visitation & Grandparent Rights

Visitation schedules, grandparent custody, and third-party rights — Joanna ensures the people who matter to your children stay in their lives.

How It Works

Three steps to securing your custody arrangement.

1

Free Consultation

Tell Joanna what's happening with your custody situation. She'll listen, assess your case, and explain what Georgia law says about your options.

2

Build Your Case

Joanna gathers evidence, develops a parenting plan, and builds a strategy designed to secure the custody arrangement your children need.

3

Secure Your Children's Future

Whether through negotiation or the courtroom, Joanna fights until the custody arrangement is in place and your children's stability is protected.

What Clients Say

"If you are looking for a 'pitbull' she is the attorney to get. Mrs Boyd is very professional, knowledgeable and strategic. I highly recommend her for any custody case or family case."

Klassik N.

"I was going through a very hard divorce. I didn't know who to turn to. At times I felt as if there was no one on my side until I consulted with J.G Boyd Law. She was so relatable and knowledgeable about my rights and was able to help me come out on top."

Brittney C.

"From my initial interview with Joanna, she was very professional, knowledgeable, and thorough. She provided me with recommendations and advised me on all options with my case. Her professionalism is second to none."

Christopher W.

Joanna G. Boyd, Esq.
Your Attorney

Joanna G. Boyd, Esq.

Joanna is a dedicated child custody attorney serving families across Metro Atlanta. She understands that custody cases are deeply personal — your children's wellbeing and your relationship with them are at stake. She fights with strategy, preparation, and genuine care for the families she represents.

Top 10 Family Law Attorney
Top 40 Under 40
Avvo Client Choice 2024
Top 30 Trial Lawyer

Every Day Without a Plan Is a Day of Uncertainty

Your free consultation is the first step toward protecting your children. No pressure. No obligation.

Call 678-343-2693 Book a Consultation

Common Questions About Child Custody in Georgia

At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in Georgia?
Children aged 14 and older can elect which parent they wish to live with, and Georgia courts give this preference significant weight. Children aged 11-13 can also express a preference, though the court has more discretion. Under 11, the court decides based on the best interests standard.
Do mothers automatically get custody in Georgia?
No. Georgia law does not favor either parent based on gender. Custody is determined by the best interests of the child. However, fathers often face unconscious bias, which is why having an attorney experienced in father's rights — like Joanna — can make a real difference in the outcome.
What's the difference between legal and physical custody?
Legal custody covers major decisions about your child's life — education, healthcare, religious upbringing. Physical custody determines where the child lives day to day. Both can be sole (one parent) or joint (shared). It's common in Georgia to have joint legal custody with one parent having primary physical custody.
Can I modify an existing custody order?
Yes, if there's been a material change in circumstances — relocation, change in the child's needs, safety concerns, or a parent not following the current order. Joanna handles custody modifications and will assess whether your situation qualifies for a change.
What if the other parent isn't following the custody order?
If the other parent is violating the custody order — denying visitation, missing exchanges, or making decisions without your consent — you can file a contempt action. The court can enforce the order and impose penalties. Joanna handles contempt proceedings to protect your rights.
What areas of Atlanta do you serve?
With offices in Decatur and Lawrenceville, Joanna serves clients across Metro Atlanta including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Clayton, Forsyth, Henry, Coweta, Douglas, Carroll, and Paulding counties — as well as cases statewide in Georgia.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Your children's future is too important to wait. Tell Joanna about your custody situation and she'll explain your options — clearly, honestly, and with no obligation.

Call Us

678-343-2693

Offices

Decatur, GA & Lawrenceville, GA

No obligation. Your information is confidential.