Lake Norman Child Custody Lawyer

Lake Norman Child Custody Attorney

It is essential to find the right Lake Norman child custody lawyer when you’re dealing with these family law issues. At Lassiter & Lassiter Attorneys at Law, we can be your dedicated guide to achieving a stable, positive outcome for your child and family.

Understanding Child Custody in North Carolina

When it comes to child custody and visitation, the core focus of local courts, like the Mecklenburg County District Court and the Iredell County District Court, is the best interests of the child. The state recognizes two main types of custody: legal and physical custody.

Legal custody gives parents the right and responsibility to handle significant decisions about the child, such as schooling, medical needs, and religion. Physical custody is where the child primarily lives. These types of custody can be either joint or sole, meaning the parents split the responsibility, or one parent has all the responsibility.

The most common arrangement in North Carolina is joint legal custody, where one parent has sole physical custody. This means the parents make important decisions together about their child, but the child lives primarily with one parent and has visitation time with the other.

How Does a Court Determine Who Gets Child Custody in North & South Carolina?

In custody decisions, the court’s primary overriding focus is on the child’s interests. No parent is guaranteed custody. If the parents are not able to agree on a schedule, a judge will step in to make the decision.

To determine which parent can serve the child’s interests, the judge will evaluate a variety of factors, including:

• Which parent has historically been responsible for the child’s daily care and routines (feeding, schooling, medical needs, etc)
• Which parent can provide a stable, safe, and suitable home environment for the child
• Assess each parent’s parenting skills, educational background, and ability to foster the child’s development
• The quality and depth of the relationship between the child and each parent
• Any history of concerning behaviors like domestic violence, substance abuse, or other illegal conduct. This is an especially important step, considering that at least 18,800 children across the state have a parent who is imprisoned.
• Each parent’s ability to financially provide for the child

The judge also has the right to consider the child’s preference, but how much weight this carries depends on the child’s age and maturity. A child’s preference alone is rarely enough to sway a final outcome.

Child Custody Modifications

There are many significant life changes that could require the modification of an existing child custody order. Common reasons include:

• A parent’s desire to relocate or move away
• Persistent conflicts with the current visitation or holiday schedule
• An investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS) due to a parent’s alleged misconduct
• A child starting or changing schools
• The child’s wishes have changed.

As with any custody matter, a family court judge’s overriding priority is always the best interests of the child. This standard will guide every decision, whether it is creating a new custody order or modifying an existing one.

Benefits of Hiring a Lake Norman Child Custody Attorney

Hiring an experienced child custody lawyer in Lake Norman can provide the objectivity and legal understanding your case needs. An attorney can help you handle complex legal mechanisms and make a compelling case that keeps the focus squarely on your child’s interests.

At Lassiter & Lassiter Attorneys at Law, we are committed to providing comprehensive and client-focused legal representation. Your custody determination will have a long-lasting effect on your family. We can help you build a strong case for custody and ensure the Lake Norman family court has all the information needed to make a fully informed decision about your custody order.

About Lassiter & Lassiter Attorneys at Law

Lassiter & Lassiter Attorneys at Law has been representing the Statesville community, including Iredell County and Lake Norman, since 1970. Our firm provides legal representation in personal injury, family law, criminal defense, real estate, and estate administration and probate.

FAQs About Lake Norman, NC Child Custody Laws

What Are the Types of Custody in North Carolina?

North Carolina has two main types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody gives parents important decision-making power over the child’s life on issues like schooling and healthcare. Physical custody deals with which parent houses and cares for the child. Both can be awarded as sole, meaning one parent has exclusive rights, or joint, where the parents share the responsibilities.

How Do Lake Norman Courts Determine Child Custody?

Lake Norman courts determine child custody based on what is in the best interests of the child. Judges look at each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, how stable the home environment is, and if there is any history of domestic violence.

Do You Have to Go to Court to Get Custody?

No, you do not have to go to court for a judge to decide custody. Parents in North Carolina can resolve custody and visitation with a parenting agreement made on their own or through mediation. However, a judge still has to approve the arrangement. The case will have to go to court if the parents are not able to come to an agreement.

Does the Child’s Preference Matter When It Comes to Child Custody?

A child’s preference is a factor that a judge may consider in child custody decisions, but it is not the deciding factor. The ultimate standard is the best interests of the child. A more mature teenager’s well-reasoned opinion typically carries more weight than a younger child’s, but in the end, the court will make the final decision.

Can a Custody Order Be Changed?

Yes, a child custody order can be modified only if the party requesting the change can prove there has been a substantial change in circumstances that will affect the child’s welfare. This could be due to changes in living or financial situations, changes in the child’s needs, or co-parenting issues.

Hire a Lake Norman Child Custody Lawyer: Contact Lassiter & Lassiter Attorneys at Law

Handling child custody and visitation issues requires more than just documentation; it demands strategy, empathy, and a deep understanding of North Carolina family law. If you’re experiencing a divorce or separation, contact Lassiter & Lassiter Attorneys at Law today and secure the most positive outcome possible for you and your family.