Georgia courts are very concerned for the interests of the children during a divorce proceeding.  Neither parent is considered to be entitled to receive custody.  The court will determine which parent the children should be placed with, and will weigh many different factors when making its decision, such as the child's age and gender, the parents' ability to provide care and support for the child, and how the child has gotten along with the parents in the past. 

In Georgia, a child of at least fourteen (14) years of age can choose for him- or herself which parent the child wishes to live with.  This decision must still be consented to by the court, but it carries a great deal of weight. 

Georgia courts will also frequently grant visitation rights to the non-custodial parent to help maintain the parent-child relationships with both parents.  Sometimes, the court will also grant joint custody rather than sole custody.  Joint legal custody allows both parents to be involved in making decisions for the child, such as those regarding medical care and education.  Further, should the court also award joint physical custody, the child will split his or her time with both parents on an almost equal basis.