North Carolina child custody laws focus on the best interests of the child above all else when determining custody arrangements. This means the court will prioritize doing right by your child and their growth and development above all else.
If you are hoping to win a favorable outcome in your North Carolina child custody case, it’s important to position yourself as the parent who is best fit to serve the best interests of your children. This includes working with your family law attorney to devise a strategy that considers the full range of legal and material options available to you.
At Meridian Law Office, our attorneys take a holistic approach to each child custody case by understanding the following North Carolina child custody facts and insights:
Types of Custody: North Carolina recognizes two types of child custody:
- Legal custody: This refers to the right of a parent to make important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including decisions about education, healthcare, and religion.
- Physical custody: This refers to where the child is physically and can take many forms, such as primary, secondary, sole, and supervised custody.
Best Interests of the Child: As noted above, North Carolina courts consider several factors to determine the best interests of the child when making custody decisions. Some of these factors include:
- The child’s relationship with each parent.
- Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
- The stability of each parent’s home environment.
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse by either parent.
- The child’s preferences, if they are mature enough to express them.
Joint Custody: North Carolina law does not presume joint custody. Instead, courts consider whether joint custody is in the best interests of the child.
North Carolina Child Custody Mediation: In many cases, North Carolina courts may require parents to participate in custody mediation before litigating custody disputes. Mediation aims to help parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation arrangements outside of court.
Modification of Child Custody Orders: Custody orders in North Carolina can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances that affects the welfare of the child since the last custody order was issued, and modification is in the child’s best interests. It is important to note that custody laws are complex and vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. If you are dealing with a custody issue in North Carolina, it’s best to seek guidance from a qualified family law attorney who can provide personalized advice based on your situation.
