Navigating Child Custody in Concord, NC: What to Expect with a Local Lawyer

In the family court system of North Carolina, child custody issues are some of the most emotionally charged and complex. In Concord, when facing an issue of child custody, having an attorney on your side who understands the state laws and proceedings of the Cabarrus County family court is vital. At Lancaster and St. Louis, our Concord child custody attorneys are here to assist with navigating child custody in Concord, NC. Whatever your case entails, we are here to serve you.

The state of North Carolina has a divorce rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents. Children need stability in their lives after their parents undergo a divorce or legal separation. For years, the women-powered team at Lancaster and St. Louis has been assisting mothers and fathers alike in prioritizing the needs of their children and can help negotiate a custody arrangement that seeks to ensure the best interests of your children are met.

When living in Concord and facing these legal cases, having a seasoned local lawyer on your side is vital.

Defining Child Custody in Concord, North Carolina

According to the North Carolina Judicial Branch, child custody is the right to make major life decisions regarding your child’s life and the right to care for your child. There are two main forms of custody that can be sought in Concord, each with its own classifications. These two main forms of custody include the following:

• Physical custody: This kind of custody refers to the parents’ respective rights to have the child in their physical care or residing with them at their home. Physical custody can take two forms in Concord, including:
  • Joint physical custody: This kind of physical custody allows the parents to share physical time with their children. Though this arrangement might not be perfectly 50/50, the courts will work to ensure that the child gets to spend a reasonably fair amount of time with both parents if it is in the best interests of that child.
  • Sole physical custody: Sole physical custody can occur when only one parent retains the right to the physical care of their child. This may happen if one parent retains custody and the other is only allowed to have visitation time with the child. Cases where only one parent is awarded physical custody may arise if there is a concern over the child’s safety with one of the parents.
• Legal custody: In Concord, physical custody refers to the right of a parent to make certain decisions regarding the life and upbringing of their child. This can include the child’s physical or medical care, their education, and their religious faith. There are two different classifications of legal custody in Concord, including:
  • Sole legal custody: This kind of legal custody can occur when only one parent is awarded the ability to make decisions regarding the child’s life and upbringing. This might be the case in situations where one parent is deemed irresponsible or a hazard to the child’s safety. The parent awarded sole legal custody will not need to seek the permission or opinion of the other parent when making a decision.
  • Joint legal custody: This form of legal custody occurs when both parents are given the shared ability to make decisions regarding their child’s welfare. It is important, in these arrangements, that the parents are able to effectively communicate with one another regarding the child’s life and needs.

According to the North Carolina family code, when parents are unable to come to an agreement regarding the custody of their child on their own, they will need to look to the courts to make this decision for them. In Concord, the family law judge will take several factors into account when making this determination, including:

• How much time the parent spends with each child
• The ability of each parent to care for their child
• The age and health of the child
• The home environment provided for the child by their parents

How the Team at Lancaster and St. Louis Can Help You

When you are facing a child custody case in Concord, you want a family law attorney in Concord who is local to the area and understands the legal landscape of the family court system. At Lancaster and St. Louis, we understand just how delicate these matters are and know from experience how difficult child custody and visitation disputes can be. When you work with our team, we are here to offer you a trustworthy and compassionate approach, whatever your situation might entail.

FAQs

Q: If I Have Custody, Can I Also Receive Child Support?

A: In several cases, if you are awarded primary custody of a child, you may also be able to seek child support. However, this will depend on a number of factors, including how many actual overnights you get with your child, how many children are involved in the case, the monthly income of both parents, and whether there are any extraordinary expenses involved in the life of the child.

Q: What Not to Do During a Custody Battle?

A: During a custody battle, there are several things you do not want to say or do. For example, you should always come to court hearings prepared and on time. You should not speak badly about your co-parent or in a way that is defamatory. Rather, stick to the facts. It is also important not to involve your children or a new partner in the case.

Q: What Deems a Parent Unfit in NC?

A: In North Carolina, a parent may be deemed unfit to receive any kind of custody of their child if they are abusive or neglectful of their child, if they suffer from chronic substance abuse issues, if they are unable to care for or support their child, if they are unable to have productive communication with their co-parent, and if they deal with certain psychiatric illnesses.

Speak to a Trusted Child Custody Lawyer Serving Concord Today

When dealing with a child custody case in Concord, NC, our firm is here to serve you and your loved ones during this difficult time. To schedule a consultation with our attorneys, contact our offices today.