When you’re navigating divorce, custody being thrown into the equation can feel like an additional storm surging already tumultuous waters. It’s hard enough to split up your property and assets, but now you have to divide your time with your children too. It may feel impossible to find a solution, and your emotions are likely heightened by the idea of sharing parental responsibilities after divorce.
It’s important to remember that while divorce is hard for you and your spouse to deal with, it’s just as difficult, if not more so, for your children. Depending on their age, they may not fully understand the need for this transition and disruption in their life, even if it is what’s best for your family.
The Wendell custody lawyers at Triangle Smart Divorce can help you handle the matters of custody with care and strategic insight into North Carolina’s custody laws. Call now to request a consultation and learn about your next steps.
What Are The Different Types Of Custody?
Custody has no “one-size-fits-all” formula for North Carolina families. Each family is unique and has a different story and different goals. That’s why it is crucial to enlist the help of one of our seasoned Wendell custody lawyers who will get to know you and your children so that they can craft a custody arrangement tailored to your family’s needs.
In North Carolina there are two types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody refers to which parent will make important decisions on behalf of their children when it comes to educational, religious, and health-related matters. Physical custody refers to which parent children will reside with the majority of the time.
Both legal and physical custody can be shared jointly, or one parent can own the responsibility solely. However, if parents share joint physical custody, it doesn’t mean that the children’s time will be split 50/50 between both parents. An experienced family lawyer will help you figure out the legal and physical custody arrangement that best works for you and your children.
Mediation
In North Carolina, attempting mediation for custody is a requirement unless there is an extenuating circumstance in which the process wouldn’t be appropriate. This process allows you and your co-parent to collaborate on making decisions that will affect your children for years to come, rather than leaving the decision to a judge who doesn’t know you or your family. No one knows your children better than you and their other parent. Mediation can ensure that an arrangement is created in their best interest. It also saves time and money, which can alleviate some of the stress on your shoulders – a bonus in the midst of a challenging period of life.
That being said, it’s important to note that custody arrangements aren’t permanent, and modifications can be made if necessary. If you or your co-parent have a significant change in your life, or in your children’s life, an attorney can help you modify the terms of your custody arrangement to accommodate your current circumstances.
High-Conflict Custody
While it’s always best for children to have two active parents in their life, this isn’t always manageable. If you are in the midst of divorcing someone who is highly combative, or has a history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or neglect, we can protect you and your children. We are experienced in handling personality disorders and volatile relationships, so we understand how frightening it is to be in your position. You can trust that we will work diligently to guard your parental rights, and we’ll fight for a solution that keeps your children safe.
How Triangle Smart Divorce Can Help You
If you need to create a custody arrangement, the Wendell custody lawyers at Triangle Smart Divorce are here for you. Allow us to guide you through the steps, explain your legal options and rights, and answer any questions you have. Your family matters to us – let us make your goals, our goals. Call now to request a consultation.
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What Our Clients Say
There aren’t enough words to express what Ashley Fillippeli and her team have done for me… With calm focus, sharp legal skill, and an extraordinary amount of heart, Ashley helped me find my child… That moment would not have happened without Ashley, and my child would not have a father without her help.
Baseer Maroof
Triangle Smart Divorce is the best family law firm in the area, and I am so grateful to have had them on my side. Lisa, Diane, Lauren, Jessica and the whole TSD team were very knowledgeable, thorough and professional. They did an excellent job getting great results for me and my kids during very challenging circumstances.
Book Fanatic
Lauren did an excellent job representing me throughout this entire process. From start to finish, I felt confident trusting her guidance and decisions, and I always knew I was in capable hands. She was professional, knowledgeable, and supportive every step of the way. I would highly recommend Lauren and this law firm to anyone going through a custody battle.
Brian Sechrest
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Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.

