Child custody cases are often complicated, but this is even truer when the child at the heart of it has special needs. Taking the time to get the parenting plan terms right so they meet the child’s needs must be a priority in these cases. Both parents will need to...
Child Custody
How does the court determine child custody cases?
When a divorcing couple cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will have to step in and determine how custody of the children will be shared. Usually, the interests of the children take center stage, and custody can go either way. It all depends on the...
Why do divorced parents go on summer vacation together?
This is your first summer as divorced co-parents, and you know it's going to be a bit different for the children. They're used to going on summer vacation trips, and you used to do it as a family. Now that you've gotten divorced, you're not sure exactly what that's...
How to support paternal involvement in kids’ lives
After a divorce or breakup, the noncustodial parent often experiences a decline in quality time spent with their child. It can be unintentional as the collateral damage that results from relationships going bust. Sometimes, it can be intentional, suchas when the...
2 threats your spouse might make in a divorce
You want a divorce, but your spouse goes off the rails when you tell them. They say that you will be sorry if you file and that it will be the biggest mistake of your life. Some people take a divorce request badly and come out with all sorts of menacing comments....
How do I get more visitation rights in North Carolina?
In general, North Carolina allows co-parents to determine their custody arrangement on their own. Arrangements do not always have to go through court. However, if you were not able to find a suitable custody arrangement through mediation, you may have gone to let the...
How can you deal with negativity from a co-parent?
Co-parents often work together as a parenting team to raise the children. Most of the time, there’s not much tension between them. They just focus on the children and make the situation work. Unfortunately, there are times when a co-parent can start badmouthing the...
2 questions to ask when setting up a parenting schedule
The parenting time schedule that you and your ex work out has a big impact on the children. It determines how much time they get to spend with each parent. While it’s understandable that you want to spend as much time as possible with your children, you have to...
Can split custody of the kids ever be a good option?
Custody is typically the hot button of any divorce that involves minor children. Because testifying in their parents’ divorce trail is inherently traumatic even for older teens, the courts encourage parents to work together to find a viable solution to all custody...
The effects of custody battles on children
Custody battles may spiral out of control and become feuds pitting you and your ex-spouse against one another. In such cases, the child's best interests may no longer be a priority since everyone wants to have their way. Unfortunately, children bear the scars of these...
What if you can’t agree on medical treatment for your child?
After a divorce, it is likely that you and the other parent will share legal custody. What this means is that you will both be able to make decisions about your child’s health care, schooling and other important issues. When you and your ex can’t agree on issues like...
2 reasons you may lose custody and visitation in North Carolina
When a divorcing couple appears before the court to decide on child custody, the judge will review the circumstances of the case and award one of the following types of custody: joint, sole legal or sole physical custody. Additionally, visitation time could be...
The difference between legal and physical custody
In North Carolina, child custody is broken into two different types. The first is legal custody, and the second is physical custody. Most parents want to have both kinds of custody. They want to physically see their child and to have the legal right to make decisions...
When can child custody or visitation order be modified in North Carolina?
When parents divorce, separate or share a child but are not in a relationship, they oftentimes have a child custody arrangement in place. When ruling on custody or visitation arrangement, the family court's decision is always focused on the best interests of the...
What should you do if you think your ex is hurting your kids?
When parents emerge from divorce, they generally expect a relatively smooth custody and visitation experience. The court order detailing the child custody plan is supposed to ensure that kids have time with each parent in a safe and secure environment. Unfortunately,...