Raleigh Child Custody Attorney

Experienced Child Custody Lawyer Serving Families in Wake County, NC

When couples file for divorce, decisions regarding child custody, visitation, and co-parenting are the most sensitive and, at times, contentious.

With both your rights as a parent and the interests of your children at stake, it is crucial to seek counsel from an experienced Raleigh child custody lawyer as soon as possible after you and your spouse decide to separate.

Our Raleigh child custody lawyers at Fresh Start Family Law are here to help parents navigate this difficult process and to gain a better understanding of how our North Carolina laws are applied to your individual custody case.

Contact our law firm in Wake County at (919) 849-5744 or online to learn more about your North Carolina family law case in a consultation with a Board Certified family attorney.

Various Types of Child Custody in North Carolina

Child custody consists of numerous rights and responsibilities that manage the caretaking relationship between parents and their children. Our Raleigh family law attorneys can help if you have a dispute regarding the guardianship of your kids.

Our experienced Raleigh child custody lawyers are adept in all state laws governing this issue and with local government, police, and the courts. Additionally, the convenience of hiring a local law firm can be a crucial time-saving advantage.

Two types of custody exist under North Carolina Law:

• Physical custody: this defines in whose household a kid will live after the divorce, usually that of the primary caretaker (called the custodial parent) but sometimes both homes on an alternating basis.
• Legal custody: this is the authority of one or both parents to decide on matters relating to the well-being of a child, including healthcare, education, and religion.

These two types of guardianship may exist as sole or joint custody in Raleigh, North Carolina. For example:

• Sole legal custody - only one custodian can make legal decisions for the child. In contrast, the other parent may have visitation rights.
• Joint legal custody - both guardians have equal rights on decisions concerning their child(ren).

At Fresh Start Family Law, we understand that child custody cases can be emotionally challenging and complex. Our experienced child custody lawyers are dedicated to protecting your child's best interests and helping you navigate the legal process with compassion and expertise.

How Can a Child Custody Attorney Help Me?

A child custody attorney can be immensely helpful in navigating the complexities of child custody cases. Here are several ways in which a child custody attorney can assist you:

• Legal Guidance and Advice: Child custody laws can be complex and vary by state. A child custody attorney can provide you with detailed legal guidance and advice tailored to your specific situation, helping you understand your rights and responsibilities.
• Representation in Court: If your custody case goes to court, an attorney can represent you, presenting your case effectively and advocating for your interests. They can handle all legal procedures, filings, and court appearances on your behalf.
• Negotiation and Mediation: Many custody disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation rather than going to trial. A child custody attorney can negotiate with the other parent or their attorney to reach a fair and amicable custody arrangement. They can also represent you in mediation sessions to help facilitate a mutually agreeable resolution.
• Preparation of Legal Documents: Child custody cases involve a significant amount of paperwork, including petitions, motions, and agreements. An attorney can prepare and review these documents to ensure they are accurate, complete, and in compliance with legal requirements.
• Protecting Your Parental Rights: A child custody attorney will work to protect your parental rights and ensure that your voice is heard in custody proceedings. They can help you pursue or defend against modifications to existing custody orders and address any violations of custody arrangements.
• Best Interests of the Child: Courts make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child. An attorney can help you gather and present evidence to demonstrate that your proposed custody arrangement is in your child's best interests, considering factors such as the child's needs, your relationship with the child, and your ability to provide a stable environment.
• Handling Complex Issues: Child custody cases can involve complex issues, such as allegations of abuse, relocation requests, and disputes over parenting plans. An experienced child custody attorney can address these issues effectively, ensuring that all relevant factors are considered.

A child custody attorney can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the legal complexities of custody cases, protecting your parental rights, and advocating for a custody arrangement that serves the best interests of your child. If you are facing a child custody dispute, consulting with an experienced attorney can help you achieve a favorable outcome.

Schedule an Initial Consultation With Our Firm Today!

North Carolina Child Custody Laws FAQ

Is NC a 50/50 Custody State?

North Carolina judges rarely grant 50/50 splits of custody that a child resides with each parent. However, a trial court can give equal guardianship to both parents or grant one primary guardian and the other visitation rights.

What Determines Child Custody in NC?

Other family-related issues relating to the co-parents’ respective privileges and responsibilities are based on the children’s best interests.

State law requires that co-parents submit their dispute to mediation before asking the court in Wake County to hear the case.

"Legal parents" are people officially recognized as guardians on the child's birth certificate, a court order such as a child support or adoption order, or an affidavit of parentage.

An unmarried mother gets the primary or natural right to guardianship following a child(ren) birth. This arrangement only applies when no father is named on the birth certificate or steps forward to make a claim.

Can a Mother Take a Child Away From Father in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a parent cannot take their child from the family home with the intent of never returning without the knowledge and consent of the other parent. If you take your child when you are not permitted to, you could be charged with parental kidnapping.

What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases in NC?

Other related issues relating to the co-parents’ respective privileges and responsibilities are based on what is in the children’s best interest.

Certain factors may determine the court’s decision including the following:

• The fitness of each parent: the courts pay attention to parenting skills and the reasonableness of parental conduct; they prefer granting primary custody to parents who are in good health.
• Each parent’s relationship with the child: if one parent has been the primary caretaker due to the other’s demanding or unpredictable work schedule or general shortness of time, that can be a strong factor in determining physical custody.
• Living arrangements: the court also considers each parent’s residence and whether it is adequate for the child to reside when in that parent’s care.
• Safety of the home: the legislature has expressly identified home safety and protection of children from acts of domestic violence as factors in determining physical custody.
• The age of the child: the child’s preference for living with one parent over the other will play a part in the custody decision and increasingly so as the child matures.

To speak with our experienced Raleigh child custody attorneys, contact us online or give us a call at (919) 849-5744 today.

Creating Sensible Arrangements & Workable Visitation Schedules

When a Raleigh court grants primary physical custody to one parent, the secondary custodial parent is entitled to visitation. Visitation is the right to spend time with the child. Typically, visitation is allowed at least once every two weeks or more frequently by child custody agreement or court order.

In Raleigh, grandparents also have visitation rights to their grandchild. This follows the same process as custody or visitation by a parent. The grandparents must prove to the court that visitation would be in the best interests of the child.

At New Start Family Law, our we apply our skills and experience as child custody attorneys in Raleigh, North Carolina to foster a visitation schedule that best serves your interests as well as your children’s.

What Makes a Parent Unfit for Child Custody in North Carolina?

If a parent exhibits behavior that is not in the best interests of the child, they may be found unfit for child custody in North Carolina. An unfit parent may be found unfit for custody based on the following behavior or circumstances:

1. Abuse or neglect of the child: Having abused or neglected their child physically, emotionally, or sexually may make a parent unfit for custody.

2. Substance abuse: It is possible for a parent to be found unfit for custody if they have a history of drug abuse or alcoholism that puts the child at risk of harm.

3. Domestic violence: An unfit parent may be found unfit for custody if they have abused the child or the child's other parent in the past.

4. Mental illness: Children's well-being may be threatened if a parent suffers from a severe mental illness that makes them incapable of caring for them.

5. Criminal activity: It is possible to find a parent unfit for custody if they have committed violent crimes, child abuse, or other serious crimes.

When determining whether a parent is unfit for custody, the court will consider each case individually and may consider any other relevant factors. Children's best interests will ultimately guide the court's decision. If you have any questions on this, feel free to contact our experienced Raleigh child custody attorneys.

Creating Sensible Arrangements & Workable Visitation Schedules

When it comes to child custody cases, it's important to focus on creating sensible arrangements and workable visitation schedules that prioritize the well-being of the children involved. Our experienced Raleigh child custody lawyers understand the complexities of these situations and can help you navigate the legal process to reach a fair and practical custody agreement.

Key aspects of creating sensible arrangements and visitation schedules include:

• Understanding the child's best interests
• Developing a parenting plan that works for both parties
• Establishing clear communication and cooperation between parents
• Adhering to North Carolina's custody laws and guidelines

By working with our dedicated legal team, you can ensure that the custody arrangements and visitation schedules put in place are in the best interest of your children and provide a stable and nurturing environment for them to thrive.

Our Raleigh Custody Lawyers Can Help

If you retain our law firm in Wake County, North Carolina, we will meet with you to discuss the facts of your case and your objectives. A Raleigh custody lawyer from our law firm can then advise and assist you in taking the optimal route to achieve them.

The Wake County custody lawyers at New Start New Family Law understand that you would not want your future relationship with your ex-spouse and children jeopardized by litigation.

When you consult with our custody attorneys in Raleigh, you will be in the hands of top legal professionals.

Contact Fresh Start Family Law at your earliest convenience to learn more about your options. Call (919) 849-5744 today to speak with our Raleigh child custody attorneys.

Helpful Resources

• North Carolina Courts - Child Custody