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Chapel Hill, NC Custody Lawyers

Trying to create a custody arrangement while parting ways from your spouse can be extremely overwhelming for all involved parties. Even if you and your ex are on amicable terms, custody can bring up an array of emotions that make navigating the custody process much more challenging. 

It’s important to remember that while your divorce is difficult for you and your former spouse, it’s just as difficult – if not more so – for your children. Ultimately, your separation, though it’s likely what’s best for everyone, is a disruption to life as your children know it. That’s why it’s important to work with one of our skilled attorneys who can help lessen the impact of the divorce and custody process on your children’s lives. Call Triangle Smart Divorce today to request a consultation with one of our Chapel Hill custody lawyers. We will provide you with seasoned legal advice and help you create a custody arrangement  in the best interest of your children.

What Are The Different Types Of Custody?

There are two types of custody in North Carolina – legal custody and physical custody.  Arrangements will vary from family to family because every child is unique and has their own needs. While you may have friends or family who went through similar situations, it doesn’t mean that what worked for them will necessarily work for you. Triangle Smart Divorce will help you find what works best for your family. 

Legal Custody 

This type of custody refers to which parent will have the primary authority to make important decisions regarding the children’s education, healthcare, religion and more. Typically we see parents share this responsibility jointly unless one parent has a history of neglect or abuse.

Physical Custody

This type of custody refers to which parent children will primarily reside with the majority of the time. One parent can have sole physical custody, or it can be shared jointly between both parents. However, this doesn’t mean that your children will actually have to split their time 50-50 between both parents.

In the state of North Carolina, parents are required to attempt mediation first in order to take a more peaceful approach to creating a custody arrangement. However, if there are extenuating circumstances in your case, like your co-parent having a history of abuse, you can likely forgo the mediation process. If this situation doesn’t apply to you, and you can work things out in private mediation, you can avoid having to go to court where a judge who doesn’t know you or your children will ultimately have the final say so, saving yourself time, money and stress.

High Conflict Custody

As mentioned above, some cases cannot be handled civilly. If you have an ex who has a flair for the dramatics and is insistent upon making custody difficult, or has a history with substance abuse or domestic violence, we know how to legally protect your family. 

No matter what your situation is, our compassionate Chapel Hill custody lawyers will work to pursue a path forward that is best for you and your children. 

How Triangle Smart Divorce Can Help You

If you and your spouse made the decision to divorce, and you need to create a custody arrangement, we will help you understand your legal options, explain your parental rights, and answer any questions you may have. We are not like your average custody lawyers and when we say we care about your family and keep your goals at the forefront of all we do, we mean it. Call today to request consultation with one of our Chapel Hill custody lawyers.

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What our clients say

"Across three states, Jenny was hands-down the best divorce lawyer I worked with! Authentic, savvy, insightful, tough, empathetic and effective. Can ’t say enough good things about her."

Don

Former Client

"The entire staff at Triangle Smart Divorce has been wonderful. My divorce has been extremely complicated and difficult, they have helped and been successful at every turn. They are more than competent and are also very compassionate individuals. They will and do walk you through each and every step to obtain the best results for you. An amazing team!"

Hoss

Former Client

"I would rate everything about my experience with Triangle Smart Divorce as 5 stars. The hardest step of any big decision is the first step. Jessica set the tone from the very first phone call. She was compassionate, calming and reassuring. The whole team has continued to work to maintain a supportive environment during the most difficult time of my life. I’m very grateful."

Raleigh

Former Client

"Jenny Bradley and her team at Triangle Smart Divorce was the best decision I made. "

Jennifer

Former Client

"Great firm! An outstanding group of professionals who are knowledgeable and care about their clients. I recommend Julianne and the firm to my clients and friends needing divorce and family law services."

Kathrine

Former Client

"I felt heard, understood and listened to. Always there when I needed them! Had my best interest at heart and never let me down!"

Timothy

Former Client

"Outstanding firm. Try to work with their clients. Listens like a therapist. I am thoroughly pleased with the services I have been provided."

Ken

Former Client

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Frequently Asked Questions

IS IT WORTH IT TO GET A DIVORCE LAWYER?

A divorce lawyer may seem like an extra expense if both parties agree on the big decisions, but the details of a divorce can be complex and hard to navigate without an expert, and getting the agreement properly written ensures that everyone has the security and clarity they need to move forward with their lives. It’s better to do it right the first time than have to keep going back and fixing mistakes. And, in some cases, you may not be able to fix your mistakes.

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU ASK A DIVORCE LAWYER?

You should ask a potential divorce lawyer about their prior experience with cases like yours, their approach to negotiations when couples reach a disagreement, and their personal success rate in arriving at a resolution through negotiation and/or mediation.

WHAT CAN YOU NOT DO DURING A DIVORCE?

You cannot have one lawyer serve both parties in a divorce. This would be a conflict of interest. It’s incredibly important that each party feels their individual needs are represented and voiced, and that cannot be done with a single lawyer serving as the representative for both parties.

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