Child Custody Lawyer in Gwinnett County, Georgia

Parents in Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, Snellville, Norcross, Peachtree Corners and throughout Gwinnett County bring custody, divorce and support cases to Gwinnett County Superior Court. Atlanta Family Law Group has helped Georgia parents protect their relationships with their children since 2009. From our Atlanta office, we represent Gwinnett County mothers and fathers in custody, legitimation, divorce and modification cases.

Family Law Services for Gwinnett County Clients

• Child custody, joint custody and parenting plans
• High-conflict custody and parental alienation
• Legitimation and paternity for unmarried fathers
• Relocation with or away from a child
• Custody modifications and support modifications
• Child support and contempt and enforcement
• Divorce, including high-asset divorce

How Custody Cases Work in Gwinnett County

Divorce, custody, legitimation and other domestic cases are heard in Gwinnett County Superior Court at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center (GJAC), 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.

Gwinnett has several procedures that directly affect parents:

• “Navigating Family Change” parenting seminar. Parties in domestic cases involving children under 18 (divorce, separate maintenance, paternity, legitimation, custody changes and visitation) must complete this four-hour seminar within 31 days of service. It is held by Zoom, and late arrivals are not admitted. Parents returning to court on a modification may also be directed to Gwinnett’s Advanced Co-Parenting Workshop.
• Standing orders on child support and parenting plans. Gwinnett has a standing order governing child support and permanent parenting plans, along with a standing order on child support computation procedures. Your parenting plan and child support worksheet need to meet these requirements.
• Mediation by court order. Mediation in Gwinnett is not automatic; a judge orders it, either by consent or at one party’s request. Cases involving violence in the relationship may not be appropriate for mediation.
• Electronic filing. E-filing through eFileGA is mandatory for civil cases in Gwinnett Superior Court.
• Family violence protective orders. Petitions are filed with the Superior Court Clerk at GJAC, and there is no filing fee.

Why Gwinnett County Parents Choose Atlanta Family Law Group

Custody cases are won on preparation: a realistic parenting plan, clear documentation, and a strategy centered on the child’s best interests. We help Gwinnett parents build that record from the start, whether they are negotiating a schedule, responding to a custody petition or a father seeking legitimation. The firm has more than 100 five-star client reviews, and our founding attorney holds a 10.0 Avvo rating.

Gwinnett County Child Custody FAQs

Where are custody cases heard in Gwinnett County?

At Gwinnett County Superior Court, located in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.

Do both parents have to take the parenting seminar?

Yes. In Gwinnett domestic cases involving children under 18, the parties must complete the Navigating Family Change parenting seminar within 31 days of service of the original complaint. The requirement generally does not apply to contempt actions.

Can my child choose which parent to live with in Georgia?

A child who is 14 or older may choose which parent to live with, and the choice is presumptive unless the judge finds it is not in the child’s best interests. For children 11 to 13, the judge considers the child’s wishes but they are not controlling.

I’m an unmarried father in Gwinnett County. Do I have custody rights?

Not automatically. In Georgia, a father of a child born outside of marriage must legitimate the child before he can seek custody or visitation. A legitimation case can be combined with requests for custody and parenting time.

Will my Gwinnett custody case go to mediation?

Only if a judge orders it, which usually happens by agreement or at one party’s request. Mediators set their own fees, and the parties typically split the cost.

Schedule a Case Evaluation

If you have a custody, legitimation or divorce case in Gwinnett County, schedule a case evaluation or call 404-205-8669. We serve Gwinnett County clients from our office at 101 Marietta Street NW, Suite 3625, Atlanta, GA 30303, and offer virtual consultations.

This page provides general information about Gwinnett County procedures and is not legal advice. Court rules and procedures change; confirm current requirements with the court or your attorney.