Child Custody Lawyer

Custody and Visitation Schedules

If you have a child custody issue, you need the help of a child custody lawyer who understands your unique and personal situation. With  decades  of combined experience representing parents in family law matters in Raleigh, NC and surrounding counties, our child custody attorneys know that clients can find custody cases very difficult to handle. After all, the future of your life with your child is at stake. You want the best for your child, and a custody case could change everything. We are here to look out for you and your children by advocating for you and advising you about your rights.

Child Custody in North Carolina

In North Carolina, custody of a minor child is based on the best interests of the child. The child’s parents both have the fundamental right to be involved in their child’s upbringing. When parents are separated or or perhaps never married, they may need to secure the legal right to custody of their child through a parenting agreement or court order. Parents have the option to negotiate their own parenting agreement or custody consent order. A mediator may be elected by the parties to help resolve any outstanding disagreements pertaining to custody. Alternatively, a court action can be filed and a trial date set for a judge to review their case to make a custody determination.

Child Custody and Divorce

When couples with minor children separate or divorce, often their first concern is what happens to the children. Parents want to know if they will be able to see their son or daughter and if the children will be okay living in separate houses. You probably want to spare your family as much turmoil as possible during this stressful and emotional time in your lives.

At New Direction Family Law, we understand that every family is unique. The one common thread is your concern and love for your child. That is why we take child custody cases very seriously. We take the time to get to know you and your children so that we can help determine which custody schedule is right for your family.

We’re often asked if there is a “normal” or “set” custody schedule. The answer is no, because no two families are alike. You know your children best. You know your family’s traditions, schedules, emotional and physical concerns, and their needs. We work closely with you, with the goal that your ultimate outcome best reflects your lifestyle after a divorce.

Moreover, our child custody attorneys in North Carolina work with a trusted network of support professionals to help provide additional education and psychological support for you and your children as you move through the divorce process.

Parenting Plans and Child Custody

A parenting plan (also called a custody and visitation agreement) is an agreement between you and the other parent regarding how to share parenting rights and divide the responsibility of raising your child. Some parents are able to agree on a parenting plan and present it to the court. If you and your partner cannot agree on a parenting plan, a family court judge who considers child custody cases will make a decision based on what they determine to be in the best interests of your child.

You may not agree with what the judge orders. Unfortunately, family courts are packed with cases and the judge will only have a limited amount of time to learn about your specific situation and family dynamincs.  This is why it is important to have experienced representation in court by attorneys that know the court system, applicable rules of law, and understand the family court judges. Often it is advised clients work with their co-parent, if at all possible, to develop a parenting plan before proceeding with court. We have affiliations with support professionals, such as certified mediators, who can provide assistance with reaching an agreement regarding custody arrangements.

At New Direction Family Law, we are able to share with you our knowledge from over 50 years of experience working with clients who are going through child custody cases so that you understand your legal options. Should the need to litigate your custody case arise, a child custody lawyer is ready to fight for you and your children.

Our lawyers can educate you on North Carolina’s child custody and visitation laws, explain what may happen as you move through the process, and determine what, in our experience, might be a possible outcome. We do this by listening to you, examining all the evidence, sharing with you the pros and cons of a particular custodial schedule, and always being aware that your children are your most important priority.

A Child Custody Lawyer is Ready to Help

Reach out to New Direction Family Law when you need advice about a child custody case. With decades of combined legal experience, our attorneys are compassionate, effective, and knowledgeable professionals. We will help you understand your legal rights and work hard toward your best outcome. The child custody lawyer team at New Direction Family Law is available today to answer your questions about custody. To schedule a consultation, call us at (919) 646-6561 or fill out our convenient contact form.

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