Weddington Child Custody Lawyers

Helping with matters of child custody throughout North Carolina

Handling child custody arrangements can be one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce or separation. It’s all about ensuring that your child’s needs are met while also protecting your rights as a parent. Whether you’re trying to establish custody for the first time, modify an existing agreement, or resolve disputes, it’s important to understand the different types of custody and how decisions are made. At Epperson Law Group, PLLC, we’re here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions that prioritize your child’s well-being and your family's future.

How can we help?

What are the types of child custody in North Carolina?
How long does a child custody order last?
Is a child custody order necessary if there is an agreement?
How do you resolve child custody disputes in Weddington?
What is a parenting plan?
What factors determine child custody in Weddington?
Can a Weddington child custody agreement be changed?
Do you have a Weddington child custody lawyer near me?

Family Law Attorneys

What are the types of child custody in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, there are two main types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody.

Legal custody: This refers to the right to make important decisions about your child’s life, including their education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Legal custody can be awarded to one parent (sole legal custody) or shared between both parents (joint legal custody).
Physical custody: This determines where the child will live and who will take care of them on a daily basis. Like legal custody, physical custody can also be sole or joint. In joint physical custody, the child spends significant time living with both parents, while in sole physical custody, the child primarily resides with one parent, with the other parent typically having visitation rights.

North Carolina courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody determinations. This means they will consider factors like the child’s relationship with each parent, the parents’ ability to provide for the child’s needs, and the stability of each parent’s home environment.

How long does a child custody order last?

In North Carolina, a child custody order typically lasts until the child turns 18, which is when they are considered an adult. However, there are some important points to keep in mind:

Changes in circumstances. If something significant changes in either parent's life — like a new job, moving, or changes in the child’s needs — the custody order can be modified. If a parent thinks a change is needed, they can go to court to ask for a review of the current custody arrangement.
Emancipation. Sometimes, a child can become emancipated before turning 18, meaning they are legally treated as an adult. This can happen if the child gets married or joins the military, allowing them to make their own choices about where to live.
Child support. While the custody order may end at 18, child support obligations can continue until the child graduates from high school or turns 20, as long as they are making good academic progress.

If you have questions about how long a custody order lasts or if you're considering making changes, talking to our Weddington family law attorneys can help you understand your options and rights better.

Is a child custody order necessary if there is an agreement?

Even if you and your co-parent have come to an agreement about custody, it’s a good idea to have a formal child custody order. Here’s why.

A custody order from the court provides legal protection for both parents and the child. It makes your agreement official and gives it the force of law, which means both parents must follow it.

A custody order also outlines the specific terms of your agreement, including where the child will live, visitation schedules, and decision-making responsibilities. This helps avoid misunderstandings and disagreements later on.

If one parent doesn’t follow the agreement, having a court order makes it easier to enforce. You can go back to court to ensure the order is followed, which can help resolve issues more effectively.

Remember, life can change, and a custody order can be modified if necessary. Having a formal agreement makes it simpler to request changes if your circumstances or your child’s needs evolve.

In short, while you might have an agreement, a court-approved child custody order provides important legal benefits and peace of mind. If you have questions or need help getting a custody order, consulting with our family law attorneys can be really helpful.

How do you resolve child custody disputes in Weddington?

Resolving child custody disputes can be a challenging process, but there are several steps that parents can take to reach a solution. Here’s how it typically works:

Negotiation: The first step is often open communication between both parents. Sometimes, just talking things out can help you agree on custody arrangements. It’s helpful to keep the focus on what’s best for the child.
Mediation: If negotiations don’t lead to a resolution, mediation can be a great option. In this process, a neutral third party (the mediator) helps facilitate discussions and guide both parents toward a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation is usually less formal and can be less stressful than going to court.
Court intervention: If mediation doesn’t work, you might need to go to court. In this case, each parent presents their case to a judge, who will make a decision based on the child’s best interests. The judge considers various factors, such as each parent’s relationship with the child, their living situation, and any other relevant details.
Post-judgment modifications: If circumstances change after the court has made a decision, either parent can request a modification of the custody order. This requires showing that there’s been a significant change in circumstances that affects the child’s well-being.

Remember, the main goal in resolving child custody disputes is to find an arrangement that serves the best interests of the child. If you’re facing a custody dispute and need guidance, reach out to the family law attorneys at Epperson Law Group, PLLC for valuable support and advice throughout the process.

Family Law Firm

What is a parenting plan?

A parenting plan is a written agreement that outlines how parents will raise their child after a separation or divorce. It serves as a roadmap for co-parenting, detailing important aspects of your child's life and ensuring that both parents are on the same page. Here in Weddington, a parenting plan typically includes:

Custody arrangements: It specifies where the child will live, whether it's primarily with one parent or shared between both. It also outlines how physical custody and legal custody are divided.
Visitation schedule: The plan details when the child will spend time with each parent, including regular visitation times, holidays, and special occasions.
Decision-making responsibilities: It should explain how decisions about the child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing will be made. This can include whether both parents must agree on major decisions or if one parent has the final say.
Communication guidelines: The plan may include how parents will communicate with each other and the child, ensuring everyone stays informed and involved.
Conflict resolution: It can outline how parents will resolve disputes that may arise regarding the parenting plan, such as mediation or other methods to keep things civil.

It’s important to have a clear parenting plan to provide stability and consistency for your child after a divorce or separation. It helps reduce misunderstandings and provides a framework for cooperative co-parenting. If you need assistance creating or modifying a parenting plan, our family law attorneys can help guide you through the process.

What factors determine child custody in Weddington?

According to the North Carolina courts:

Judges decide child custody based on “the best interests of the child.” This decision can include many factors, such as the parents’ living arrangements, each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any other factors affecting the welfare of the child. While fairness to the parents is important, this is secondary to the child’s welfare. A party’s shortcomings as a spouse or relationship partner will generally only carry substantial weight if they also impact the party’s parenting abilities. An attorney can advise you on the most relevant factors in your specific case.

At Epperson Law Group, PLLC, we can answer any questions you have about the child custody process.

Can a Weddington child custody agreement be changed?

Yes, a child custody agreement in Weddington can be changed if there's a good reason to do so. Life circumstances can change, and sometimes those changes may affect what’s best for your child. For example, if one parent gets a new job that requires them to move, or if there are changes in the child's needs or living situation, you might want to modify the agreement.

To make changes, both parents can agree to the new terms and file the updated agreement with the court. If you and your co-parent can’t agree, you might need to go back to court to ask a judge for a modification. It's important to show that the changes are in the best interest of the child.

Do you have a Weddington child custody lawyer near me?

Epperson Law Group, PLLC sees clients at its offices at 1940 Weddington Road, Weddington, NC 28104, by appointment only. We serve all of North Carolina. We also offer virtual conferences and telephone consultations. Call us today.

Skilled Weddington child custody attorneys helping your family

If you’re facing a child custody issue or need to modify an existing agreement, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At Epperson Law Group, PLLC, we understand how important it is to ensure your child’s best interests are protected. Our experienced Weddington family law attorneys are here to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you find the best path forward for you and your family. To schedule your consultation, please call us or fill out our contact form.