Many times in Georgia, it can be very hard to determine who might be considered an unfit parent. In some cases, child custody judgments may be clear-cut, such as when there are known instances of child abuse. However, sometimes it is more difficult to determine whether a person is truly an unfit parent. Child custody cases, as a result of divorce or otherwise, are frequently some of the most complex and emotional family law cases.

This is the case for two parents who are struggling to get custody back of their 3-year-old daughter and 5-week-old infant son after their infant was found with serious injuries. After noticing that their son was acting strangely and holding his leg in an awkward angle, the parents spoke with a nurse by phone and were told to bring their son into the emergency room for an exam.

While at the hospital, medical providers discovered that the baby had fractures to his ribs, left arm and leg. Both children were promptly removed from their parents' custody due to suspicions of abuse.

Despite action taken by authorities, the parents deny that they did not abuse the child; instead, they claim that some of the injuries could have been caused by the child having a difficult birth. The parents have also argued that the infant suffered from neonatal rickets, a severe vitamin D deficiency which causes bones to be brittle. In fact, a doctor testified that neonatal rickets was often commonly misdiagnosed as child abuse.

While the couple is desperately fighting to get their children back, a court has ruled that custody should remain with the state, even though no criminal charges have been filed against the parents.

For Georgia residents, this case shows yet again that it can sometimes be very difficult to determine who is an unfit parent. In these kinds of cases, it is very important to ensure that all evidence is examined impartially. In this way, it may be easier for justice to prevail so that the children's best interests are taken into consideration while still protecting parental rights.

Source: Yamhill Valley News-Register, "Parents appeal child custody ruling," Nicole Montesano, June 2, 2012