Child Custody in Raleigh, North Carolina

The family law attorneys practicing at the Raleigh Divorce Law Firm share your commitment to put your children’s best interests first. We understand the stress and chaos that surrounds a divorce and will help you focus on the important child custody issue that requires careful consideration and sensitivity.

What Is Child Custody?

Child custody involves a parent assuming not only the physical responsibility for a minor child, but the legal right to make choices on important issues involving the child including education, religious training, health or medical concerns, where the child resides and even how to exercise discipline.

Types Of Child Custody

There are four main types of child custody and they are:

• Sole custody – whereby a child lives exclusively with one parent and that parent has exclusive rights to make all decisions concerning the child.
• Joint custody – both parents, although legally divorced, share physical and/or decision making responsibilities for the child.
• Split custody – when custody of many children is split between the parents. Not a very popular option due to the negative impact separating siblings could have on children.
• Nonparental/3rd party custody – custody awarded to grandparents, aunts, uncles or other family members in situations where there is one living parent and that parent is deemed unfit.

If you and your soon to be ex-spouse are unable to reach a decision as to the type of custody that will be best for your child then that decision will be left up to the court. You will need to retain an experienced family law attorney, like those practicing at the Raleigh Divorce Law Firm, to represent you and advocate which type of custody is best for your child.

Best Interests of Your Child

If the child custody decision has been left up to the court there are several elements the court will take under advisement as they determine what is in the best interests of your child. They are:

• Who has been and is the primary care provider

• Physical and emotional health of both parents

• Whether your child has special needs, such as medical care or psychological support

• Availability of each parent after work responsibilities are considered

• If child has siblings, where they will live

• Support, such as family and friends, of each parent

• If child is older, their choice will be considered

• How well the parents cooperate with each other

• If there is a history of domestic abuse between the parents

 Speaking with a qualified and experienced family law attorney, like the practicing attorneys at the Raleigh Divorce Law Firm, about which child custody option works best for your family, is a good way to prevent the ugliness and emotional trauma inherent in a custody battle. Our skilled family law attorneys welcome the opportunity to privately discuss your child custody needs and offer solutions that are always in the best interests of your child. Please call us in Raleigh at 877-466-2601 or simply fill out the online contact form.