Matthews, NC Child Custody Lawyer

Matthews, NC Child Custody Attorney

Legal matters involving family can be upsetting and stressful. As these matters involve those who are most important to you, it is critical to make sure these cases are handled delicately. An experienced and compassionate Matthews, NC, child custody lawyer can help you with your child custody issues.

Child Custody

In North Carolina, child custody is the rights and responsibilities that a parent retains in regards to their children. This includes many details like determining who is physically responsible for the care of the child, who is able to make legal decisions regarding the child, when each parent is allowed and expected to see the child. There are many different outcomes that can happen in child custody cases, and no two cases are the same.

Joint Custody vs. Primary Custody

It can be difficult to determine which parent should be physically responsible for caring for the child. In some cases, it may be decided that one parent should have that responsibility, and this is known as primary custody. This means that the child lives primarily with one parent and may have visitations with the other at scheduled times.

Joint custody refers to an arrangement where both parents share physical custody of the child. This may look like a 50/50 ratio with each parent or a varied allotment of time with each parent. The child may alternate between each parent on a regular basis or only see the secondary parent during specific times like on the weekends. Each family’s case is different and will have different outcomes concerning custody.

Physical Custody vs. Legal Custody

Physical custody refers to the right for a parent to care physically for their child. This means the child would live with them primarily or for intervals of time shared with the other parent. Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make legal decisions that have a lasting impact concerning the child. This can include decisions such as where they will go to school, what their religious practices will look like, where they will get their healthcare, and more.

In each case, parents may have the ability to share both physical custody and legal custody. However, in some cases it may be determined that only one parent is fit to hold one or both of these rights. These things can be decided through mediation programs in conjunction with legal guidance, or even in court.

How Custody Is Decided

Any parent is able to file for custody in North Carolina. There are certain circumstances under which grandparents or other close relatives can file as well. The different elements of custody are oftentimes decided in court with the help and guidance of lawyers. In some situations, your case may be sent to a mediation program to see if it can be decided without going through the court process.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Lawyers can help in many ways in child custody cases. For instance, they can provide the necessary emotional support you need during the case. A lawyer will understand the complexities and heaviness of what you are going through and can be a shoulder to lean on.

Additionally, a lawyer can help you gather evidence arguing why you should have custody and arguing against why your spouse should not. A lawyer will know what evidence to look for, whereas you may not. They can also help you present it during a mediation session or in court.

At Lehnhardt Price Family Law, our attorneys specialize in offering personalized support during challenging child custody cases. With their expertise, you can confidently navigate the legal process knowing you have a dedicated team on your side.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does Custody Court Cost in North Carolina?

A: There is no set cost for custody court in North Carolina. Each independent case will vary in cost depending on the details included in the case as well as the time it takes for everything to get appropriately sorted out. There are certain fees which must be paid, such as filing costs and costs associated with serving your spouse with papers.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Custody in North Carolina?

A: You do not need to have a lawyer if you are working through a child custody case in North Carolina. However, these types of cases can often be extremely complex and time-consuming. It can be a great advantage to have an attorney on your side who can help you understand the process. There are many elements of a child custody case that can be difficult to understand if you are not aware of the legal complexities.

Q: Do You Have to Pay Child Support If You Have 50/50 Custody in North Carolina?

A: Parents who have a 50/50 arrangement of child custody in North Carolina may still be required to pay child support.

Q: Can I Modify my Child Custody Agreement in North Carolina?

A: Yes, you can potentially modify a child custody agreement in North Carolina if the circumstances have changed and the court agrees that a modification is in the best interests of the child. For example, if one of the parents of the child moves away, custody and visitation may be modified to fit the new circumstances. Some other factors that may require renegotiation of the terms are a new health issue of a parent, a drug or alcohol issue, or the child’s safety in their home has become a concern.

Contact an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer Today

If you are in the middle of a child custody case, having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference. These cases are rarely ever simple and short. They can often cause great amounts of stress on those involved.

The legal team at Lehnhardt Price Family Law is ready and able to assist you through legal counsel and representation in your case. We understand the legal complexities of child custody cases and can help guide you through them, answering any questions you may have. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you.