Child custody is the most important issue facing parents during a divorce. Few issues in divorce have as much emotional impact as the subject of child custody. Child custody refers to a collection of responsibilities and rights that parents have regarding their children’s general welfare, authority, religion, education and health care. Spouses may settle custody and visitation issues out of court through a private agreement, which is the most often used and preferred method. Custody may also be settled out of court by a parenting agreement or consent order that is later approved by a judge.
If you are facing a child custody process, it is important to carefully consider both existing and future needs to ensure that you remain satisfied with your legal relationship with your children. Until child custody is agreed on and a court makes a ruling, each parent has equal rights to physical custody of the child. We can help assert for your rights in matters related to:
- Primary or joint custody arrangements
- Visitation rights
- Grandparent visitation
- Modification of custody and visitation orders
- Enforcement of orders
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency proceedings
- Decisions related to religion, education and upbringing of the child
North Carolina statutes show no preference to either a mother or father in custody matters. The court may award equal custody (joint custody) to both parties, or give primary custody to one parent (sole custody) and visitation privileges to the other. Joint physical custody can be an equal time sharing of time between parents and requires the greatest amount of cooperation. There is also joint legal custody which deals with how decisions are made for the child. Wake County may have specific statutes that may affect your particular case.
Contact us today. We are well-versed in the laws and procedures that govern Wake County North Carolina and will work tirelessly to help you.