Parental Rights in Georgia
Georgia Parental Rights News
Parents’ Efforts Around the Country Starting to Pay Off!
Across the nation, some state legislatures are starting to adjourn for the year. Others have reached cross-over day, where bills have to pass from one chamber to another or they’re dead for the year. Still other legislatures remain in full swing. All this year, ordinary moms and dads like you, with your energy and passion,…
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Georgia State Law and Parental Rights
Protected!
Georgia state law explicitly defines and protects parental rights as fundamental rights.
The Official Code of Georgia Annotated was updated with the signing of HB 1178 into law by Governor Kemp on April 28, 2022. The law now states:
No state or local government entity, local board of education, or any officer, employee, or agent thereof may infringe on the fundamental rights of a parent to direct the upbringing and education of his or her minor child without demonstrating that such action is reasonable and necessary to achieve a compelling state interest and that such action is narrowly tailored and is not otherwise served by less restrictive means.
Don't Miss a Critical Issue!
Georgia Courts and Parental Rights
Unclear
Clark v. Wade, 544 S.E.2d 99, 104 (GA. 2001): "In considering the constitutionality of the Georgia statute on parent-third party custody disputes, there are two relevant lines of cases. One involves the termination of parental rights, which have usually required a showing of parental unfitness before ending the parent-child relationship.[27] The other involves third-party visitation rights, which have historically considered the best interests of the child."
The passage of the Parents' Bill of Rights in 2022, however, should lend clarity to the courts in favor of fundamental parental rights moving forward.