Child Custody in Greensboro, NC

We understand that a child custody battle is a personal and highly emotional issue. This is why we’re so passionate about connecting you with Greensboro, North Carolina professionals who will help you fight for your rights as a parent.

What Is Child Custody?

When two parents separate, they must decide on how their children spend time between them. Child custody refers to the right of either or both parents to provide a home for their children and exercise parental rights. In Greensboro, NC not all child custody cases go to court, but when they do, courts make their decisions based on what they think is most beneficial for the child.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Greensboro, North Carolina

There are three main types of arrangements that can occur. These include full custody, sole custody, and joint custody. The Guilford County Courthouse may become the primary location for hearings related to your case in Greensboro.

What Is Full Custody?

In a full custody arrangement, one parent receives the majority of the parenting time and maintains physical custody. In most instances, this person also makes the majority of the decisions about the child’s upbringing and has control over decisions related to health, education, and religion. The parent awarded full custody is the primary custodial parent.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch states that the court looks at legal and physical custody separately. For example, your child may live with you, but their mother or father has the right to make decisions about education or medical procedures. As a result, to have full guardianship in Greensboro, your child must live with you without having to debate anyone on decisions.

Even when children only live with one parent, the other parent still has the opportunity to be a part of their lives. The custodial parent may allow visiting time or the children may spend a few weekends with the non-custodial parent. In some instances, a parent awarded full custody might still maintain joint custody in practice with their partner for the benefit of the children.

What Is Sole Custody?

Many people confuse one parent having the majority of parenting time or rights with sole custody, but these terms are not the same. In cases where one parent is deemed unfit, the court may grant the other parent sole physical custody, leaving the unfit parent without any parenting time or rights.

In more severe situations, the court may terminate the unfit parent’s rights entirely. This can occur if the parent is convicted of crimes that pose a danger to the child, such as child abuse or inappropriate sexual conduct. The specific circumstances that can lead to parental termination vary based on state laws.

What Is Joint Custody?

Joint custody describes the arrangement where both parents of the child split physical custody. When parents share equal custody, the child may spend a week or two on and off with either parent. Some families in Greensboro, North Carolina also practice “nesting”, where both parents move in and out of the home the child lives in when it is their turn to have custody.

The assumption cannot exist that one parent can provide for a child’s welfare better than another under North Carolina legislation. Evidence of abuse or an inability to provide care should exist before removing parenting or visitation rights. Unless you cannot prove an ability to make decisions, joint guardianship is generally favored in Greensboro.

In many joint custody arrangements, one parent may retain complete responsibility. This is for any major decisions that have to be made in regard to the well-being of the child. Also, joint custody does not always mean an equal sharing of time. In most instances, one parent still retains primary custody. In these cases, they may hold the larger portion of a 60/40 time split.

The Factors Courts Consider When Making a Decision

In , , full custody is typically granted when one parent is unable to fulfill the responsibilities of raising a child. This may occur if the parent is incarcerated, lacks financial stability, or is involved in situations that could endanger the child’s well-being. In such cases, the court prioritizes the child’s best interests by awarding full or sole custody to the more capable parent.

When both parents can support the child’s well-being, joint custody is often the preferred arrangement. This setup allows parents to share responsibilities while adhering to court-established guidelines. However, if cooperation between parents becomes challenging, the court may assign one parent the majority of parenting time to reduce conflict and ensure stability for the child.

In joint custody arrangements in , parents must work together to coordinate resources and activities that meet the child’s needs. Depending on the situation, custody may involve supervised visitation for one parent or require exchanges at a neutral public location to provide a safe and supportive environment for the child.

The Basics of the Child Custody Process 

Custody arrangements in Greensboro, North Carolina are often subject to family court orders and decisions. However, this is not always the case. Even when the split is amicable, hiring a child custody lawyer can help. Navigate the troubled waters of your custody battle with legal help. Many parents can come together to find a solution that works well for the child. Oftentimes without needing to involve the court system.

North Carolina General Statutes make mediation mandatory for child custody cases in Greensboro. During these meetings, conversations designed to resolve conflict and reach a mutual decision transpire. At the least, the courts expect parents to attend an orientation class and one mediation session for the benefit of the child. The mediator has the responsibility to remain neutral. However, keep in mind that any parent’s inability to meet one another in the middle can lead to court visits. As well, it could lead to each parent having less input and choice in the final court custody order.

Working with a Greensboro custody lawyer as a mediator can help to advise you on the best type of custody arrangement that would work for the unique requirements and needs of your child. Hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you better understand your rights as a parent and avoid costly mistakes.

Work With an Experienced Greensboro, North Carolina Child Custody Lawyer 

A child custody battle is a difficult and frustrating process. This is worse when there is animosity between you and the other parent. A Greensboro lawyer who specializes in this area can help to explain the entire process of the child custody battle and can help to make a positive impact on your case whether they mediate the arrangement or defend one party.

Hire a dedicated and passionate child custody attorney in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Your chances of seeing a custody agreement and visitation rights that are favorable for you will be much more likely. If you’re looking to hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you understand your rights as a parent, you’ve come to the right place.

The attorneys we connect people with can increase your chances of getting the arrangement you seek, even in complex cases. Connect with an experienced lawyer in your area today. We can even help you connect with an attorney across North Carolina state lines. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.

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